You're Invited: Minnesota's 1st Hmong American Day Celebration!

Governor Mark Dayton will proclaim May 14th as the first Annual Hmong American Day in Minnesota, and to celebrate, the Hmong American Day Committee will be hosting Minnesota's 1st Hmong American Day Celebration on Sunday, May 12th. The celebration is free, open to the public, and is a great opportunity to learn about the history and interests of others. To support the planning committee's efforts, @MsHeidiSmith will be there representing Minnesota Rising and offers her statement of support: "Minnesota's rich history and diverse communities are two of the reasons that I moved to Minnesota from Florida and events such as this, the first Hmong America Day Celebration, is one of the many reasons I stay. I hope to see you there!"

Save-the-date: 1st Hmong American Day Celebration
What: 1st Hmong American Day Celebration

When: Saturday, May 12th, 2013 from 12:00 -  8:00 p.m. 

Where: Lao Family Community Center, 320 University Ave W., St. Paul, MN

Throughout the Vietnam War, the Hmong fought alongside the US-CIA in Laos. On May 14th, 1975, the US withdrew their forces and the country of Laos was lost to the Communist Pathet Lao party. The new regime immediately declared ethnic cleansing against the Hmong for their cooperation with the US and as a result, the Hmong-US military base Long Cheng fell to the Pathet Lao and a killing spree would take the lives of 1/3 of the entire Hmong-Lao population.
 

In honor of the Hmong people’s contribution and sacrifices during the Vietnam War, Governor Mark Dayton will proclaim May 14th, Hmong American Day in Minnesota.
 

Join us at the first annual Hmong American Day Celebration (Free and open to public) to learn about Hmong American history and experience cultural activities and food.
 

Highlights:

• Stage program with cultural dance, music, & speeches by special guests
• Veteran Appreciation Presentation
• Keynote Speaker: MayKao Hang, President & CEO, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
• Hmong & American children’s activities
• Hmong Odyssey—experience a re-enactment of the Hmong exodus.
• Photo Gallery with rare images of General Vang Pao and the Secret War
• Bring your own picnic food & activities to enjoy!

To register head over to the Eventbrite page: http://hmongamericandaymn.eventbrite.com/

or the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/HmongAmericanDayMN  

Presented by Hmong American Day Committee
More Info: Tiffany Xiong (hmongamericandaymn@gmail.com /651-983-3458)