ລາວໂຮມລາວ ເພື່ອປະຊາທິປະໄຕ

Honors for Hmong heroes

http://www.appeal-democrat.com/sections/article/gallery/?pic=3&id=127153&db=marysville

Yuba County supervisors honor service by Hmong:

Eleven Hmong solders, most dressed in uniform, were recognized for their service during the Vietnam War at a Yuba County Board of Supervisors meeting earlier this month.

"When I put on the uniform, I remember the past," said Nyia Yia Thao, a 64-year-old Linda man who was one of three Yuba County Hmong solders honored. "I remember my fellow soldiers. I'm proud that I served."

Sai Thao, 61, of Olivehurst, said he feels very lucky to be recognized by the county, adding the experience was very emotional.

"Even though the Hmong people don't have a land to go back to, I feel this is my home now," said Sai Thao, who works in the mailroom at the Appeal-Democrat. "I'm not a citizen, but I think I sacrificed enough to be a citizen."

In a proclamation, the supervisors announced August as Hmong History Month.

"It is important people realize the sacrifices them made. The Hmong warriors have a different perspective. They fought till they died," said Supervisor Andy Vasquez, a Marine who served a 13-month tour in Vietnam.

American Legion Post 807 provided an honor guard for Chong Xeng Thao, a local Hmong soldier who died last month and was buried in the veteran's area at the Sutter Cemetery.

Vasquez, who is a member of the post, said he stepped up after others didn't.

"Several VFWs and Beale (Air Force Base) declined to provide an honor guard," said John Thao, a cousin of the deceased.

The Marysville Police Department provided an escort, and the American Legion performed a 21-gun salute along with folding and presenting an American flag.

"I feel very honored that they came and did the honor guard for my uncle," Sai Thao said. "During the war, when you were shot, you were just left behind."

Sai Thao said he felt at ease after the American Legion stepped up, and he is hopeful that "other posts will provide honor guards to Hmong warriors in the future."

Logue bill honors Hmong

Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Loma Rica, introduced a resolution this week to recognize September as Hmong History Month.

Logue said he is very proud to be able to recognize the sacrifices Hmong solider made during the Vietnam War.

"Their price is that they were basically chased out of their own country," Logue said. "They were persecuted because they supported America's goals."

If passed, Logue plans to have members of the Hmong community visit the capitol on Aug. 30 for the announcement.