No rest for the Hmong

The Hmong have had a terrible fifty years or so. Friends of the US secret war in Laos, Hmong men and boys and families rescued American pilots and provided war support and soldiers. When Laos fell, the Hmong people fled to refugee camps in Thailand. Many Hmong people have emigrated to the United States, particularly California, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Our communities are much richer for it.

But there are still thousands of Hmong family members trapped in refugee camps in Thailand and now they are being forcibly repatriated to Laos where they are sure to face persecution and death.

Here is a good backgrounder.

Paula Vang will speak on Friday, June 13, at 10 a.m. at Roncalli Newman Parish Center, 1732 State St. La Crosse (Please park on the street either on Main St. and come through the back door or park on State St. and come from the front door, to avoid getting a ticket by parking in the UW-L.) For more information contact Pastor Houa Moua at AgapeAsian@aol.com