Bill Text: CA SCR57 | 2015-2016 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Hmong History Month.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2015-07-09 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 96, Statutes of 2015. [SCR57 Detail]
Download: California-2015-SCR57-Chaptered.html
BILL NUMBER: SCR 57 CHAPTERED
BILL TEXT
RESOLUTION CHAPTER 96
FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE JULY 9, 2015
ADOPTED IN SENATE JULY 6, 2015
ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY JUNE 22, 2015
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY JUNE 15, 2015
INTRODUCED BY Senator Pan
MAY 5, 2015
Relative to Hmong History Month.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SCR 57, Pan. Hmong History Month.
This measure would recognize the month of September 2015 as Hmong
History Month, urge all citizens to join in celebrating the
accomplishments of the Hmong people during Hmong History Month, and
encourage the people of California to recognize the many talents,
achievements, and contributions that the Hmong people bring to
communities in this state.
WHEREAS, The history of the Hmong people here in the United
States, as well as throughout the ages, is indeed unique and vibrant,
and it is appropriate to celebrate this history during the month of
September 2015, which has been recognized as Hmong History Month; and
WHEREAS, The Lao-Hmong, or free people, are greatly respected and
admired for their dedicated service and valiant support of the United
States Armed Forces and its allies during the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, Many Lao-Hmong served in the "Secret Army," which was
funded by the United States Central Intelligence Agency and included
Special Guerilla Units and other special forces, to thwart the Pathet
Lao and North Vietnamese Army in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand from
1960 to 1975; and
WHEREAS, The members of this Laotian hill tribe are known for
their warrior traditions, loyalty, and bravery, as evidenced by their
contributions to guarding United States personnel and Air Force
radar installations, gathering critical intelligence on enemy
movement and operations, performing rescue missions to save downed
United States pilots, and fighting in conventional and guerilla
combat against overwhelming forces, including several North
Vietnamese divisions, to disrupt the flow of troops and supplies
along the Ho Chi Minh Trail; and
WHEREAS, A conservative estimate of over 35,000 brave Lao-Hmong
men, women, and children lost their lives; more than 50,000 were
wounded; and more than 2,500 are missing in action; and
WHEREAS, These numbers do not include the devastating loss of
30,000 lives when the Lao-Hmong fell victim to retributive ethnic
cleansing starting in 1975 and continuing to this day, nor the
thousands forced into reeducation camps or who perished attempting to
cross the Mekong River into Thailand; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the devastation to their homes and way of
life, thousands of Lao-Hmong soldiers and their families became a
countryless people when they commenced their perilous flight to seek
safe refuge in other countries, such as Argentina, Canada, China,
France, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States--a mass exodus that
continues to this day; and
WHEREAS, The Lao-Hmong's heroic and significant contributions to
the United States during their fighting efforts in Laos and the
positive influence they have since had upon the American way of life
will not be forgotten; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the Legislature takes great pleasure in
recognizing the month of September 2015 as Hmong History Month,
extends deep appreciation to the Hmong men, women, and children who
served the United States with loyalty and bravery, urges all citizens
to join in celebrating the accomplishments of the Hmong people
during Hmong History Month, and encourages the people of California
to recognize the many talents, achievements, and contributions that
the Hmong people bring to our communities; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
