DE PERE, Wis. (WFRV) – A diverse group gathered recently to remember the sacrifice of the Hmong people who fought with the Americans during the Vietnam War.
They also remembered how the Hmong people lost their country and found a new home in the United States.
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The Hmong immigrants followed the legendary General Vang Pao and settled primarily in northeast Wisconsin, Minnesota, and California.
“Our country owes a sincere debt of gratitude to the Hmong people, the Hmong community, and what they’ve done,” said Retired Army Lt. Col. Rick Crosson, who now serves on the Green Bay School Board. “Their sacrifice and their citizenship.”
Crosson was among the city, state, and local officials who took part in a procession with the son of the late General Vang Pao and other Hmong military leaders who fought communism with the Americans.
“My father’s a Vietnam Veteran,” Crosson added. “I understand the Hmong tribesmen at the time were very supportive of the U.S. military. They sacrificed themselves, and they were in a situation where their culture was at serious risk of being exterminated.”
This unprecedented gathering ushered in the return of the Hmong Festival at the Brown County Fairgrounds.
What the Hmong people endured in SE Asia has only come to light as more American Vietnam Veterans find their voice.
Local 5 has profiled Air America pilot and author Neil Hansen, who flew secret missions in the CIA’s secret airline. He told us he would make airdrops of supplies in Laos to Hmong fighters.
“It’s a real shame that this isn’t common knowledge,” Captain Hansen said. “And the sad part is over 60% of Americans didn’t know we had a war in Vietnam.”
The General’s son says it’s important to acknowledge what is known historically as the Secret War, where the CIA supported Hmong fighters in what was neutral Laos.
“We fought alongside the U.S. Government in Laos as a secret army,” explained WaChong Vang. “My father was the leader of that secret army group. We are happy to serve the Americans during the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, the U.S. pulled from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia and we lost our country. But, we are happy that the U.S. government brought us into this country.”
He admits that the dreams of returning to their homeland died with the elders.
Yet, he is hopeful for the survival of Hmong culture and its resurgence with the next generation.
“We must respect our elders, respect our veterans,” Vang declared. “And we must try to keep our good name.”
Crosson said there is just as much today that links Americans and the Hmong as when they first fought together for freedom.
“I think they are part and parcel of that whole effort to move this country forward.”
