MN SF2438

Urges the President and Congress to amend federal law to allow allied Hmong-American and Lao-American veterans of the Secret War in Laos (1961-1978) to be buried in state veterans cemeteries, including the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Little Falls.

Recognizes that the U.S. government recruited, trained, and equipped Hmong and Lao fighters organized into a Special Guerrilla Unit led by General Vang Pao to conduct covert operations against communist forces on the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos.

Acknowledges that over 100,000 Hmong and Lao fighters died in the Secret War, directly and indirectly saving thousands of American service members' lives by rescuing downed pilots and defending key military outposts.

Notes that over 250,000 Hmong and Lao refugees, including approximately 80,000 resettled in Minnesota, sought refuge in the United States after persecution in Laos, with most becoming U.S. citizens.

Directs the Minnesota Secretary of State to transmit this memorial to the President, Congress, and all state legislatures to advocate for burial eligibility expansion.