Hmong War Memorial Dedicated in Fresno

Thursday, January 12, 2006

December 21, 2005 -- Fresno has the largest Hmong population next to Laos. Now, a memorial in their honor that's been three years in the making is finally complete.

When Fresno Mayor Alan Autry attended the annual Hmong New Year celebration three years ago, it dawned on him that some kind of memorial to the contributions of these new Americans should be built. Wednesday, that idea became reality. A monument to their sacrifices was unveiled before hundreds of people in Downtown Fresno.

"The people we once called allies we now proudly call our friends and neighbors, and Fresno is a better place because of that," said Mayor Autry.

During the Vietnam War, Hmong and Laotian soldiers fought in Laos alongside Americans like Dan Casas, who attended the ceremony to pay tribute to the soldiers. "As a member on their behalf, as a member of Special Forces, I salute you," said Casas. Thirty-five-thousand Hmong and Laotian soldiers died during the Vietnam War, and many more after the U.S. left Southeast Asia.

"There were a lot of lives that were lost, a lot of brothers that are there and never forgotten and will always be remembered," said Casas.

Thirty years later, Fresno is home to the largest population of Hmong outside of Laos. Their history and their future is now part of this country.

"We want to make sure that they remember who they are and where they came from," said memorial committee member Peter Vang.

"They were unwavering defenders of freedom then and remain so today," said Mayor Autry.

You can find the Hmong Lao American Memorial near the northwest side of Courthouse Park in Downtown Fresno. The 22-ton granite and bronze monument features two Hmong soldiers supporting an injured American pilot.

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