Statue of general unveiled at Hmong festival in Chico; prominent speakers address community

CHICO -- A six-foot-tall granite statue of Gen. Vang Pao was unveiled in front of the Chico Municipal Center on Main Street during the 10th annual Chico Hmong Cultural Festival, held Saturday.

The event promotes democracy, cultural diversity and higher education, according to coordinators.

"We invited all the leaders to visit our hero," said Mike Thao, president of the Butte County Hmong Association.

The association — with the help of sponsors — raised $40,000 for the statue, which serves as a memorial to the general, who was an American ally during the Vietnam War and battled communist troops with a secret army backed by the Central Intelligence Agency. After fleeing Laos in 1975, the leader died at age 81 in January 2011 and is regarded as a hero in the Hmong community.

Surrounded by white pillars, flags and sparklers, the statue served as a photo opportunity for many.

Engraved next to the statue, entitled "The General Vang Pao Memorial Project," the association chose to name all individuals and organizations who helped make the monument possible.

In addition to the unveiling, prominent Hmong leaders — including Sisouk Vang, Gen. Vang Pao's son — came from across the country to speak to the community, shaded under a tent in the center of City Plaza.

Keynote speakers included Chico leaders Ann Schwab, Mary Goloff and Larry Wahl, as well as Zong Vang Thao, Lieutenant General National Commander.

The theme of the year, "Who are the Hmong," was presented by Pao Choua Thao, a guest speaker from Sacramento. As he addressed the crowd, he referenced Gen. Vang Pao as a vital part of the Hmong culture.

"We owe you everything from the bottom of our hearts ... we will continue to build on your legacy," he said.