(a) May 14 of each year is designated as Hmong Special Guerrilla Units Remembrance Day in honor of Southeast Asians, Americans, and their allies who served, suffered, sacrificed, or died in the Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War in the years 1961 to 1975 in support of the armed forces of the United States, and in recognition of the significance of May 14, 1975, the last day that the overall American-trained Hmong command structure over the Special Guerrilla Units in Laos was operational. At least 35,000 Hmong Special Guerrilla soldiers lost their lives protecting trapped, lost, or captured American soldiers and pilots in Laos and Vietnam. One-half of the Hmong population in Laos perished as a result of the American Secret War in Laos. Ethnic Hmong men, women, and children in Laos faced persecution and forced reeducation in seminar camps after their American support ended. Despite the tremendous cost and sacrifices in the war, the Hmong remain proud to stand by the values of freedom and justice that America symbolizes. Those who survived escaped to western countries to start a new life. Each year, the governor shall issue a proclamation honoring the observance.

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Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 10.5805

  • children: includes children by birth or adoption;

    (9) "day" comprises the time from midnight to the next midnight;

    (10) "fiscal year" means the year by or for which accounts are reckoned;

    (11) "hereafter" means a reference to the time after the time when the law containing such word takes effect;

    (12) "heretofore" means a reference to the time previous to the time when the law containing such word takes effect;

    (13) "judicial sale" means a sale conducted by an officer or person authorized for the purpose by some competent tribunal;

    (14) "minor" means an individual under the age of 18 years;

    (15) "money" means lawful money of the United States;

    (16) "night time" means the time from sunset to sunrise;

    (17) "non compos mentis" refers to an individual of unsound mind;

    (18) "notary" means a notary public;

    (19) "now" in any provision of a law referring to other laws in force, or to persons in office, or to any facts or circumstances as existing, relates to the laws in force, or to the persons in office, or to the facts or circumstances existing, respectively, on the effective date of such provision;

    (20) "verified" when used in reference to writings, means supported by oath or affirmation. See Minnesota Statutes 645.45

(b) Schools are encouraged to offer instruction about Hmong history or read the passage under paragraph (a) to students in honor of this day on May 14 or, if May 14 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, on the Friday preceding May 14.

(c) Businesses may close in honor of this day and an employee may request the day off in observance.

(d) The governor shall order the United States and the Minnesota flags flown on the grounds of the Capitol Area to be flown at half-staff on May 14. Local governments, private businesses, and public and private schools are encouraged to fly United States and Minnesota flags at half-staff on May 14.