Gov. Tony Evers has signed an executive order ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, May 14, in honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day.
“Members of our Hmong-Lao veteran community bravely served this nation during the Vietnam War and in conflicts since, and these heroes deserve every honor and respect they’ve earned,” said Gov. Evers in a press release. “As governor, it’s important to me that we protect, defend, and support the veterans who’ve protected, defended, and supported us, and that includes our Hmong-Lao heroes.”
According to officials, thousands of Hmong-Lao people courageously fought alongside the United States during the Vietnam War and, following the end of the war, faced harsh retribution from the Vietnamese and Lao governments for their service. Many Hmong-Lao soldiers and their families were ultimately forced to flee their homes, and many later resettled in communities throughout the United States, including in Wisconsin. Today, Wisconsin is home to the third-largest Hmong population in the United States.
On May 14, 2021, Gov. Evers signed 2021 Wisconsin Act 31, designating May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin, as May 14, 1975, was the last day of airlift evacuation of remaining Hmong-Lao soldiers and their families from the covert headquarters in Long Tieng, Laos to the Nam Phong refugee camp in Thailand.
Gov. Evers has proclaimed May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin each year since assuming office in 2019
