Laos Memorial facts for kids

The Hmong and Lao Memorial is a special monument found in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, United States. It includes a granite stone, a bronze plaque, and a living Atlas Cedar tree. This memorial honors the brave soldiers from the "Secret War" in Laos. These soldiers, including Hmong, Lao, and other groups, fought alongside American advisors. They fought against Soviet Union-backed North Vietnamese forces and Pathet Lao communists during the Vietnam War. The memorial was officially opened in May 1997. It stands as a tribute to their courage and sacrifice.

The memorial was designed and paid for by groups like the Lao Veterans of America, Inc. and The Centre for Public Policy Analysis. It was approved by the United States Department of Defense. The Lao Veterans of America, Inc. is the largest group for Laotian- and Hmong-American veterans in the U.S.

Why This Memorial Is Important

The Laos and Hmong Memorial was officially dedicated on May 14–15, 1997. Many people attended the ceremony, including Hmong-American war veterans, Vietnam veterans, and American government officials. A U.S. Department of Defense Color Guard and Army Band also took part.

This dedication happened 24 years after the U.S. Secret War in Laos ended. Groups like the Lao Veterans of America worked hard to make this memorial happen. They also organized events at the Vietnam War Memorial and the U.S. Congress. These events honored the Lao and Hmong veterans and their families.

These groups believed it was time to officially recognize the Secret War. They worked in Washington, D.C., to get support from lawmakers. Many members of the U.S. Congress, from both major parties, supported honoring these veterans. They also helped Hmong and Laotian refugees find safety.

Since 1997, memorial events are held every year. These events take place at the Laos and Hmong Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, and the U.S. Congress.

May 15 is seen as a very important day. It was the first time the United States government officially recognized these soldiers. They fought bravely with the U.S. during the Vietnam War. For decades, the U.S. government had denied its involvement in this "Secret War." However, it was actually a very large hidden operation. The Hmong and Lao people played a key role in helping the U.S. efforts.

At one point, some people wrongly used the denial of the Secret War to justify sending Hmong and Laotians back to Laos. These refugees had fled their homes to escape danger. Thanks to the efforts of groups like the Lao Veterans of America, the U.S. government changed its mind. It officially recognized the Secret War and the contributions of the Lao and Hmong "Secret Army." This change was a huge step. It meant the U.S. admitted it had been involved in combat in Laos.

The George W. Bush Administration later strongly supported helping Hmong refugees from Laos. They supported giving them immigration rights in the U.S.

The Secret War was funded by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). General Vang Pao, a Hmong military leader, led the Hmong forces. They helped the U.S. with air raids and ground operations against North Vietnamese forces. The goal was to stop North Vietnam from sending supplies through Laos to South Vietnam.

General Vang Pao was invited to speak at the memorial's dedication in May 1997. After he passed away in 2011, many people wanted him to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This was to honor his service to the U.S. during the Vietnam War. General Vang Pao was officially honored at the Laos and Hmong memorial in May 2011.

Words on the Memorial

The Laos Memorial has these words carved into it:

Dedicated to:

the U.S. Secret Army

in the Kingdom of Laos

1961 - 1973

In memory of the Hmong/Mong and Lao combat

veterans and their American advisors

who served freedom's causes in

Southeast Asia. Their patriotic valor

and loyalty in the defense of liberty and

democracy will never be forgotten.

YOV (yuav) TSHUA TXOG NEJ MUS IB TXHIS

(This Hmong phrase means: "Will remember you forever.")

LAOS VETERANS OF AMERICA

May 15, 1997

Important Speakers at the Ceremony

Each May since 1997, many important people have spoken at the annual memorial ceremony. These include current and former government officials, diplomats, and members of the United States Congress. Albert Santoli, a Vietnam veteran and best-selling author, spoke at the ceremonies in May 2014.

Images for kids

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  Speakers and participants give remarks during a ceremony at the Laos Memorial honoring Hmong and Lao combat veterans and their American advisors (May 15, 2015).

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  Speaking at the 2015 anniversary of the memorial's dedication, Col. Joe A. Simonelli, Chief of Staff at Arlington National Cemetery, called the event "a powerful reminder of the actions of the Hmong, Lao and American service members who fought together as allies during the Vietnam war".

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  Attendees listen to speakers during a ceremony honoring Hmong and Lao combat veterans and their American advisors.