Bill Text: MI SR0167 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to honor the Hmong Special Guerilla Unit (SGU) Veteran’s Recognition Day in Michigan on May 14, 2018.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-05-10 - Adopted [SR0167 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-SR0167-Enrolled.html
SR167, As Adopted by Senate, May 10, 2018
Senators Bieda and Hopgood offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 167.
A resolution to honor the Hmong Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) Veteran’s Recognition Day in Michigan on May 14, 2018.
Whereas, This special recognition day is to commemorate Hmong combat soldiers that served under the direction of United States military and clandestine forces from 1961-1975, in the Secret War of Laos, during the Vietnam War; and
Whereas, As members and friends gather to commend this patriotic occasion, we add our own thanks for the contributions Hmong veterans of America continue to make to keep our cherished liberties alive; and
Whereas, The Special Guerrilla Unit Veterans and Families of Michigan Inc. (SGUVFM) is the Hmong veteran organization in Michigan, representing the Hmong combat veterans and their families; and
Whereas, The mission of the SGUVFM is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, health, and civil rights of the Hmong community in Michigan; and
Whereas, The Hmong SGU veterans were vital in many ways during the Secret War in Laos by providing intelligence and troops to one of the nation’s largest operations, rescuing American soldiers, and blocking North Vietnam from using the Ho-Chi Minh Trail to South Vietnam; and
Whereas, It is estimated that at least 35,000 Hmong SGU veterans were killed during the Secret War and the remaining Hmong population in Laos have been victims of ongoing retaliation, murder, and genocide since the conclusion of the war; and
Whereas, On May 14, 1975, the last American CIA withdrew from Laos and the Hmong veterans and their families began their journey to new beginnings; and
Whereas, These veterans and their families were provided with political asylum, refugee status, and citizenship because of their unique contribution to the United States; and
Whereas, The Hmong SGU Veteran’s Recognition Day will be commemorated in Michigan on May 14, 2018, the day the Hmong were evacuated from Laos in search of a better future; and
Whereas, The Special Guerrilla Unit Veterans and Families of Michigan Inc. will continue to recognize Hmong veterans and will perform their own Hmong Veteran’s Memorial including the performance of the color guard, Casket Teams, band and bugler, 21-gun rifle salute, raising the American flag, and honoring the next of kin with appropriate certificates; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the members of this legislative body honor the Hmong Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) Veteran’s Recognition Day in Michigan on May 14, 2018.
