CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Senate Resolution No. 124Introduced by Senator PanAugust 16, 2018 Relative to Hmong History Month. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSR 124, as introduced, Pan. Digest KeyBill TextWHEREAS, The history of the Hmong people in the United States, as well as throughout the ages, is indeed unique and vibrant, and it is appropriate to celebrate this history during the month of September 2018, which has been recognized as Hmong History Month; andWHEREAS, The Hmong, or free people, are greatly respected and admired for their dedicated service and valiant support of the United States Armed Forces and its allies during the Vietnam War; andWHEREAS, Many Hmong served in the Secret Army, which was funded by the United States Central Intelligence Agency and included Special Guerilla Units and other special forces, to thwart the Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese Army in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand from 1960 to 1975; andWHEREAS, A conservative estimate of over 35,000 brave Hmong men, women, and children lost their lives; more than 50,000 were wounded; and more than 2,500 are missing in action; andWHEREAS, These numbers do not include the devastating loss of 30,000 lives when the Hmong fell victim to retributive ethnic cleansing starting in 1975 and continuing to this day, nor the thousands forced into reeducation camps or who perished attempting to cross the Mekong River into Thailand; andWHEREAS, In addition to the devastation to their homes and way of life, thousands of Hmong soldiers and their families became a countryless people when they commenced their perilous flight to seek safe refuge in other countries, such as Argentina, Canada, China, France, Japan, New Zealand, and the United Statesa mass exodus that continues to this day; andWHEREAS, The Hmongs heroic and significant contributions to the United States during their fighting efforts in Laos and the positive influence they have since had upon the American way of life will not be forgotten; now, therefore, be itResolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate takes great pleasure in recognizing the month of September 2018 as Hmong History Month, extends deep appreciation to the Hmong men, women, and children who served the United States with loyalty and bravery, urges all citizens to join in celebrating the accomplishments of the Hmong people during Hmong History Month, and encourages the people of California to recognize the many talents, achievements, and contributions that the Hmong people bring to our communities; and be it furtherResolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Senate Resolution No. 124Introduced by Senator PanAugust 16, 2018 Relative to Hmong History Month. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSR 124, as introduced, Pan. Digest Key
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION
Senate Resolution No. 124
Introduced by Senator PanAugust 16, 2018
Introduced by Senator Pan
August 16, 2018
Relative to Hmong History Month.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SR 124, as introduced, Pan.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
WHEREAS, The history of the Hmong people in the United States, as well as throughout the ages, is indeed unique and vibrant, and it is appropriate to celebrate this history during the month of September 2018, which has been recognized as Hmong History Month; and
WHEREAS, The Hmong, or free people, are greatly respected and admired for their dedicated service and valiant support of the United States Armed Forces and its allies during the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, Many Hmong served in the Secret Army, which was funded by the United States Central Intelligence Agency and included Special Guerilla Units and other special forces, to thwart the Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese Army in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand from 1960 to 1975; and
WHEREAS, A conservative estimate of over 35,000 brave Hmong men, women, and children lost their lives; more than 50,000 were wounded; and more than 2,500 are missing in action; and
WHEREAS, These numbers do not include the devastating loss of 30,000 lives when the Hmong fell victim to retributive ethnic cleansing starting in 1975 and continuing to this day, nor the thousands forced into reeducation camps or who perished attempting to cross the Mekong River into Thailand; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the devastation to their homes and way of life, thousands of Hmong soldiers and their families became a countryless people when they commenced their perilous flight to seek safe refuge in other countries, such as Argentina, Canada, China, France, Japan, New Zealand, and the United Statesa mass exodus that continues to this day; and
WHEREAS, The Hmongs heroic and significant contributions to the United States during their fighting efforts in Laos and the positive influence they have since had upon the American way of life will not be forgotten; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate takes great pleasure in recognizing the month of September 2018 as Hmong History Month, extends deep appreciation to the Hmong men, women, and children who served the United States with loyalty and bravery, urges all citizens to join in celebrating the accomplishments of the Hmong people during Hmong History Month, and encourages the people of California to recognize the many talents, achievements, and contributions that the Hmong people bring to our communities; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.