[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 14, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE HMONG AMERICAN COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VINCE FONG

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 2025

  Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Hmong American 
community and commemorate May 14, 2025, as Hmong American Day, marking 
50 years since the first Hmong families began their journey to the 
United States following the fall of Long Cheng in 1975. On this day, we 
recognize the legacy of service, sacrifice, and strength that defines 
the Hmong American experience.
  From 1961 to 1975, more than 40,000 Hmong men and boys--many under 
the age of 18--were recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency to 
fight in the Secret War in Laos, a critical but often overlooked 
chapter of the Vietnam War. Fighting alongside American forces, Hmong 
soldiers risked everything to defend freedom and combat the spread of 
communism in Southeast Asia. Following the end of the war, they and 
their families faced persecution and displacement, forcing thousands to 
flee Laos.
  On May 14, 1975, the final airlift evacuated Hmong soldiers and their 
families from Laos to refugee camps in Thailand. From there, many 
resettled in the United States, including in California's Central 
Valley, where they rebuilt their lives with determination and hope. 
Today, communities like Clovis, Fresno, and Sacramento are home to some 
of the largest and most vibrant Hmong populations in the country. These 
families have contributed to the fabric of American society in 
countless ways by serving as educators, healthcare professionals, 
entrepreneurs, public servants, and community leaders.
  We especially honor the Hmong veterans and their families, whose 
courage and loyalty to the United States must never be forgotten. Their 
stories remind us of the price of freedom and the enduring strength of 
the human spirit.
  I commend the County of Fresno, the City of Clovis, and other local 
governments for formally recognizing Hmong American Day and paying 
tribute to the history, culture, and contributions of the Hmong people. 
I join them in encouraging all Americans to learn more about this rich 
legacy and to celebrate the extraordinary impact of Hmong Americans on 
our communities and our country.

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