Title
Proclaiming May 14, 2017 as Hmong American Day.
Body
WHEREAS, May 14, 2017, marks the forty-second anniversary of the fall of Long Cheng, United States CIA airbase in Laos during the Secret War in Laos; and
WHEREAS, Many Hmong refugees and their families immigrated to the United States, and today over 80,000 Hmong Americans are residents of Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, like many immigrant groups before them, Hmong refugees resettled to the United States to escape war and persecution, to find opportunities, and to better their lives and the lives of their children; and
WHEREAS, Hmong Americans are helping build a vibrant and diverse Saint Paul, contributing culturally, academically, socially, politically, and economically to our city; and
WHEREAS, MN Governor Mark Dayton proclaimed May 14, 2013 to be Hmong American Day in the state; and
WHEREAS, the Hmong American Day Planning Committee seeks to honor and celebrate Hmong American history and accomplishments by providing annual programming and activities to the entire community; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul hereby proclaims May 14, 2017 as Hmong American Day, recognizing and celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Hmong Americans in Minnesota and the City of Saint Paul.