Bong exhibit recognizes Hmong role in secret war in Laos

Apr. 12—SUPERIOR — The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is commemorating Hmong Heritage Month in Wisconsin with an exhibit and a guest speaker in April.

The exhibit, "A Legacy Revealed: The Secret War," focuses on the Hmong, an ethnic group native to China. During the 18th century, many migrated to southeast Asia to escape persecution from the Qing Dynasty.

The exhibit will focus on the Hmong's role in the Central Intelligence Agency's secretive operation in Laos from 1961 to 1975 as part of the larger Vietnam War exhibit. It focuses on northern Laos, Military Region II, which faced the heaviest fighting because of its proximity to Hanoi, and Pathet Lao, the Communist Party of Laos. Soldiers in the region were mostly ethnic hill tribes, including Hmong, led by Maj. Gen. Vang Pao, the highest-ranking Hmong in the Royal Lao Army.

Cher Pao Vang, a Hmong elder and teacher, will speak about his experiences during the secret war, his time as a refugee, and life in the Twin Ports after the war at 6:30 p.m. April 24. He maintains a prominent role in organizing the Hmong New Year at First United Methodist Church and serves as a speaker to bring awareness to the Hmong in the area.

"I was not drafted because my father sent me across Laos as a missionary, but my uncles and brothers were, and I have lost many of them," Vang said.

"A Legacy Revealed: The Secret War" examines how the Hmong were affected by the war in Laos to their eventual abandonment by the United States after communist takeovers in southeast Asia that forced many to flee to Thailand to escape persecution.

The exhibit would not have been possible without artifacts loaned to the Bong Center by the SGU Veterans and Families of USA, a St. Paul organization devoted to preserving Hmong veterans' history and bringing awareness to the secret war.