Evers orders flags lowered to half-staff to honor Hmong-Lao Veterans Day

Gov. Tony Evers ordered the U.S. and Wisconsin flags to be flown at half-staff on Saturday to honor Hmong-Lao Veterans Day. 

Last year, Evers signed a bill designating May 14 to honor the Hmong-Lao people, many of whom fought with the U.S. during the Vietnam War. May 14 is the 47th anniversary of the last day of airlift evacuations of Hmong-Lao soldiers from Laos to a refugee camp in Thailand.

After the war, many of the veterans resettled in the United States and a significant number of them came to Wisconsin. 

“Last year, I was proud to sign 2021 Wisconsin Act 31 into law to not only recognize and honor Wisconsin’s Hmong-Lao veterans but to ensure future generations of Wisconsinites continue to learn about and understand the critical role Hmong-Lao people played in the Vietnam War,” Evers said. “On Hmong-Lao Veterans Day, we join all Wisconsinites in honoring the sacrifices and service of the thousands of Hmong-Lao veterans who fought alongside the United States and recognize the many Hmong-Lao veterans who call Wisconsin home today.”