World dignitaries pay respect to General Vang Pao

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A 24-hour-a-day public viewing continues in Downtown Fresno Monday morning where people from all over the world have been gathering for General Vang Pao's funeral services.

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The general public viewing of the general's body is open all day and night, including early Monday morning. People were already gathering for day four of funeral services for General Vang Pao.

More than 60 invited guests spoke Sunday during services at the Fresno Convention Center where crowds in the thousands lined up to pay their final respects. Dignitaries from all over the world are in Downtown Fresno -- as well as Hmong people from Laos, Thailand, and France.

One of the general's sons says the funeral services are truly fit for a king. Many Know General Vang as a military leader -- but for the Hmong, he is also a father figure.

"At funerals, he would show up. If someone didn't have a kid, he would tie a string to their hands so they would prosper and have children. So many factors, he was loved, not just being a human being, but now, spiritually, as well," said General Vang Pao's son Chai Vang.

Funeral services for General Vang Pao continue through Wednesday in Downtown Fresno.

Monday at 7 a.m., Hmong rituals will start.

8 a.m. to 10 p.m., there will be messages of condolences.

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