General Vang Pao
Jan
7
Written by:
1/7/2011 2:32 PM
General Vang Pao is one of the most recognized name and figure in the Hmong history. He will be remembered as a great General and hero to many Hmong during the Vietnam War. He was a great liason between the US and the Hmong guerilla fighters that the US recruited to save down pilots and attack the Ho Chi Minh Trail that cross from North Vietnam down to South Vietnam. If it were not for his decision to assist the US in the Vietnam War or in Laos, it was known as the "Secret War", Hmong people would not be in the US or any other countries today.
However great he was during the war, General Vang Pao's reputation has gone through many changes over the past decade. It went from a hero in the Vietnam War to corruptions within the Hmong communities. I remember growing up and my parents would say that "one day we will go back and take back our homeland. The General has promised us." During these times, many Hmong support the General in this vision and dream. Eventually reality sets in and many Hmong refugees became disheartened and accepted the reality that it will never happen.
As time went by, new generations were born in the US and other countries, the ties and support to the General slowly wither. The gap between the young and old were shown when he was accussed of conspiracy to overthrow the Laos government in 2007. All charges were later dropped.
Regardless of what opinions the young and old have of Gen. Vang Pao, he will be missed and should be a role model for the Hmong. He went from a poor boy in the jungle of Laos to help bring opportunities to many of the young Hmong generations.
Listening to his speech at the Minnesota Hmong New Year marks his last few words for the Hmong people to learn to live together and love each other. You can watch the full speech here.