Gen. Vang Pao Tour
Jan
9
Written by:
1/9/2011 1:25 AM
In discussing with family members, reading the information being released by news medias and Hmong elders, when are we (Hmong) going to do the right thing and not exploit every opportunity that comes at hand. If the General is going to have a traditional Hmong funeral and then buried, why is it that his body will be brought to other parts of the US for others to see him? Hmong funeral ends on the last day of the funeral and his body is to be buried. It is not to be extended and open for others to see it again. He is "suppose" to be on his way to meet the ancestors and not more mourners.
In discussions with my peers, it seems that many do not see the value in flying the General's body around the US. If they, Gen. Vang Pao's family members, are to do this, it should be done now when the traditional Hmong funeral has not started. Even at this point, it just doesn' t feel right to "parade" his body across the US. Granted, Gen. Vang Pao is a Hmong General, many Americans don't know him or who the Hmong people are to care about it. He is not in a position that should be showcase to the general public. If people want to see him, they should be able to go to the funeral in Fresno, California. If more than 50,000 Hmong and others attend the funeral in Fresno, it would show solidarity among the Hmong and that he is still being well respected. If the attendance is any less, his influences among the Hmong and its community has lessen over the past decades. If the people respects him enough, they will travel the distance to say their last good-bye and pay their respect in person. I have seen the General attend many of his commarades and friends who have died in person. If the General is willing to do this others should be able to do the same for him on short notices.
By showcasing his body across the US, this appears to be more of disrespect and a break from Hmong funeral traditions and rituals. Once the formal funeral process has started and completed, the body should no longer be visible to anyone.
What's your thoughts on the General Vang Pao Tour?