1.1.................... moves to amend S. F. No. 2227, the third engrossment, as amended, as
1.2follows:
1.3Page 190, after line 7, insert:

1.4    "Section 1. [10.5805] HMONG VETERANS DAY; STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
1.5(a) May 14 of each year is designated as Hmong Veterans Memorial Day in honor of
1.6Southeast Asians, Lao, Americans, and their allies who served, suffered, sacrificed, or died
1.7in the Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War in the years 1961 to 1975 in support of
1.8the armed forces of the United States, and in recognition of the significance of May 14,
1.91975, the last day that the overall American-trained Hmong command structure over the
1.10Special Guerilla Units in Laos was operational. At least 35,000 Hmong Special Guerilla
1.11soldiers lost their lives protecting trapped, lost, or captured American soldiers and pilots in
1.12Laos and Vietnam. One-half of the Hmong population in Laos perished as a result of the
1.13American Secret War in Laos. Ethnic Hmong men, women, and children in Laos faced
1.14persecution and forced re-education in seminar camps after their American support ended.
1.15Despite the tremendous cost and sacrifices in the war, the Hmong remain proud to stand by
1.16the values of freedom and justice that America symbolizes. Those who survived escaped
1.17to western countries to start a new life. Each year, the governor shall issue a proclamation
1.18honoring the observance.
1.19(b) Schools are encouraged to read a passage about Hmong history or this statute to
1.20students in honor of this day on May 14 or, if May 14 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, on the
1.21Friday preceding May 14. Businesses may close in honor of this day and an employee may
1.22request the day off without pay with two weeks' notice to the employer in observance of
1.23this day.
1.24(c) The governor shall order the American flag and Minnesota flag flown on the grounds
1.25of the Capitol area and other state property to be flown at half-staff on May 14. Local
2.1governments, private businesses, and public and private schools are encouraged to fly
2.2American and Minnesotan flags at half-staff on May 14."
2.3Renumber the sections in sequence and correct the internal references
2.4Amend the title accordingly