Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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May 14, 2022
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 a 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 Central Intelligence Agency 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 Veterans Recognition Day will be commemorated in Michigan on May 14, 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 hold activities in remembrance of Hmong Veterans, 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, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 14, 2022, as Hmong Special Guerilla Unit (SGU) Veterans Recognition Day in Michigan.