IL SR1173

Recognizes Laotian soldiers and airmen who fought alongside U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, particularly in combat operations in Laos known as "the Secret War" between 1955 and 1975.

Acknowledges that approximately 4,500 Lao Americans settled in Chicago and collar counties after fleeing Laos following the war, with fewer than 100 Lao American veterans remaining in Illinois today.

Supports Governor Pat Quinn's proclamation of July 19, 2014 as Lao Veterans Memorial Day and the placement of a memorial plaque at Elgin Veterans Memorial Park.

Urges the General Assembly and Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs to provide burial rights in state cemeteries for remaining Lao American veterans in Illinois.

Urges Illinois educators to teach students about the "Secret War" and Lao veteran contributions, and commits to exploring development of an Asian American social science and history curriculum for public schools.