25 LC 112 3255
House Resolution 505
By: Representatives Hong of the 103
rd
, Momtahan of the 17
th
, Sainz of the 180
th
, Martinez
of the 111
th
, and Carpenter of the 4
th
A RESOLUTION
Commending the Laotian American community in Georgia and honoring the Airavata flag;
1
and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, during the Vietnam War, Laos became an unexpected battleground, with the3
Royal Lao government, in collaboration with the Central Intelligence Agency, leading4
Hmong and Lao forces in combat against the North Vietnamese Army and Pathet Lao5
insurgents; and6
WHEREAS, these forces played a crucial role in aiding and protecting United States military7
operations in Laos, often at great personal risk, and their sacrifices remain an integral part8
of the history of that conflict; and9
WHEREAS, in 1975, Laos underwent a profound political transformation with the fall of10
Vientiane and the rise of the Communist Pathet Lao government, marking the end of the11
Kingdom of Laos and the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic; and12
WHEREAS, this sudden shift in political power created widespread fear and persecution,13
particularly for those associated with the former regime, intellectuals, and others deemed14
threats to the new government, forcing many Laotians to flee their homeland; and15
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WHEREAS, thousands of Laotians braved the treacherous waters of the Mekong River to
16
seek refuge in Thailand, where they endured difficult conditions in overcrowded and17
under-resourced refugee camps before being resettled in countries such as the United States;18
and19
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia extended a warm welcome to these Laotian refugees, with20
vibrant communities forming in cities such as Atlanta, Cornelia, Chickamauga,21
Lawrenceville, Marietta, Riverdale, and Macon, where they have worked diligently to22
integrate into American society while preserving their cultural identity; and23
WHEREAS, Laotian Americans in Georgia have made invaluable contributions to the state's24
cultural and economic landscape, establishing businesses, cultural organizations, and25
community centers that promote their heritage and foster a sense of belonging; and26
WHEREAS, featuring a white three-headed elephant against a red background, the Airavata27
flag holds profound cultural and historical significance for the Laotian community,28
symbolizing the ancient Kingdom of Lan Xang, also known as the "Land of a Million29
Elephants," which was one of the most prosperous kingdoms in Southeast Asia from the 14th30
to the 18th centuries; and31
WHEREAS, for Laotians living abroad, the Airavata flag serves as a powerful connection32
to their history, identity, and traditions, representing unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit33
of their ancestors; and34
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the Airavata flag be recognized as a35
symbol of the Laotian American community, celebrating their journey, resilience, and36
contributions to the diverse fabric of this state and the nation.37
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
38
the members of this body commend the Laotian American community in Georgia for their39
many achievements and contributions as well as honor the Airavata flag as a representation40
of their heritage and legacy.41
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized42
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the43
public and the press.44
H. R. 505
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