Ceremony in Walnut Grove honors Hmong, Lao’s service during Vietnam’s ‘Secret War’
Hmong and Lao veterans were honored in Walnut Grove on Saturday during a program to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of their service in the war in Southeast Asia.
The event was sponsored by the DFL Rural Caucus, Cottonwood County DFL, Lyon County DFL, Redwood County DFL, Senate District 15, Congressional District 7, Hmong American Caucus and the DFL Veterans Caucus.
Keynote speaker State Sen. Tou Xiong (D-Maplewood) of Senate District 44 addressed the occasion that brought him to Walnut Grove.
Xiong said the reason why the Hmong people sided with Americans during the war was to fight the spread of Communism because they believed in freedom and the right for people to voice their own opinions without persecution.
“That’s why we fought with American soldiers, shoulderto- shoulder,” he said. “They knew that a war was coming and that they had to man up, they had to grow up and learn to jump out of airplanes to fight and to rescue American pilots that were shot down over northern Vietnam or were inside of Laos and bring them to safety. Groups of 15 to 20 young Hmong men would fight and die to rescue one downed American pilot because they knew that Americans were there to help.”
Xiong said the Hmong people are proud to be Americans and said this country has changed them more than they have changed America.
“I know that the younger generation here in Walnut Grove … we barely even know how to speak Hmong anymore,” he said. “We have become Americanized, we love being here, we are proud Americans, and we are glad that we have this opportunity to share our story so that it’s not forgotten. Our Hmong community must not forget the sacrifices that allowed us to be here and understand that it is a privilege to be Americans.”
Xiong also spoke from a political perspective, saying that he recognizes people in rural areas of the state have long felt they have been neglected by politicians in St. Paul.
“There’s a feeling that your voices here in Greater Minnesota are not being heard, or you’re being ignored by all the fancy politicians in St. Paul,” he said. “We want to hear about what’s happening out here in southwestern Minnesota so we can work together to make policies that benefit you.”
• Walnut Grove Mayor Ron Stubbe gave the welcome address and led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Walnut Grove city councilman Yeng Yang then spoke, and said the celebration also served to recognize the Hmong’s migration to the United States and the impact they have had here.
“In 1975, there was about 3,500 Hmong that lived in the United States,” Yang said. “Now, there are about 330,000 Hmong people in the United States. We have served communities in many ways, in government and education, and we are very proud of them. Their parents came here with no education and here we are today. We also want to remember the men, women and children who perished during that time of civil war.”
Kathy Vondracek then introduced Lue Kue, a respected elder from Tracy and son of a Hmong veteran. Kue moved to Providence, RI, in 1977 and later settled in Tracy.
“No matter what country you live in, it’s the country that you would serve for and fight for,” Kue said through an interpreter.
Jeff Strand, outreach officer for the DFL Rural Caucus, and Chair of the Cottonwood County DFL Party, used the moment to honor former speaker emerita of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home on June 14. The Hortmans were laid to rest earlier Saturday, and Strand led a moment of silence Saturday in their honor.
Event organizer Dan Peterson of Walnut Grove read a statement from U.S. Sen Tina Smith, who was unable to attend Saturday’s event. Smith thanked Hmong and Lao veterans for their service to the U.S.
“While I can’t be there in person, I’m thinking of you today and am deeply grateful to your dedication to our country,” Smith wrote. “It’s important to acknowledge the incredible sacrifices that you and your families have made. The legacy of Hmong and Lao veterans is one of strength and resilience, and many who made it back home continue to serve our communities here in Minnesota. You bring life and vibrancy to every corner of our state — rural and urban, in business, and in the arts and beyond.”
