Wisconsin Senate Bill SJR43

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/23
• Refer: 5/15/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Commemorating Hmong-Lao Veterans Day and honoring the Hmong-Lao veterans who served alongside the United States in the Vietnam War.

Impact

The resolution aims to formally designate May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin, thereby encouraging a statewide recognition of the sacrifices and heroism of Hmong-Lao veterans. This acknowledgment serves not only to honor those individuals but also facilitates educational efforts within schools to include discussions around their service and contributions in relevant curriculums. This recognition seeks to enhance the visibility of the Hmong-Lao community's role in the Vietnam War and ensure their legacy is remembered.

Summary

SJR43 is a Senate Joint Resolution introduced to commemorate Hmong-Lao Veterans Day and honor the Hmong-Lao veterans who fought alongside the United States during the Vietnam War. The resolution acknowledges the significant contributions made by these veterans in combatting the North Vietnamese Army and Pathet Lao forces, highlighting their courage and the risks they faced. Many Hmong-Lao individuals were recruited by the CIA and U.S. Armed Forces, and their service is recognized as an essential part of U.S. military history during the conflict in Vietnam.

Contention

While the resolution is largely a symbolic gesture, its enactment reflects an ongoing effort to address the historical narrative around the Vietnam War and includes action steps such as promoting education about the Hmong-Lao veterans in academic institutions. The bill has the potential to spark conversations about the broader implications of veterans' contributions, the historical context of the Vietnam War, and the experiences of minority communities in the U.S., potentially encountering varying perspectives on historical representation.