MN HF919

May 14 of each year is designated as Hmong Veterans Memorial Day to honor Southeast Asians, Americans, and allies who served in the Secret War in Laos during 1961 to 1975 in support of U.S. armed forces.

Recognizes May 14, 1975, as the last day the American-trained Hmong command structure over Special Guerilla Units in Laos was operational, with at least 35,000 Hmong soldiers killed protecting American personnel.

Schools are encouraged to read a passage about Hmong history or this statute to students on May 14 (or the preceding Friday if May 14 falls on a weekend).

Employees may request the day off without pay with two weeks' notice to their employer in observance of this day.

Governor shall order American and Minnesota flags flown at half-staff on Capitol grounds and other state property on May 14, with local governments, businesses, and schools encouraged to do the same.