Honoring 50 Years of Hmong Progress and Transformative Leadership

By Vayong Moua, MPA

Fifty years ago, the Hmong people embarked on a journey of survival, resilience, and transformation. From the depths of war and displacement, we arrived as refugees and now progress in all aspects of American life. Today, we commemorate our sacrifices, celebrate our fortitude, and embroider our story into the American tapestry.

A Legacy of Sacrifice and Strength

The Hmong people’s involvement in the CIA’s secret war in Laos remains a heroic, but relatively untold chapters in American history. Approximately 35,000 Hmong soldiers—nearly a quarter of the recruited force—lost their lives saving American pilots and fighting for the United States. Thousands more—women, children, and civilians—perished from famine, disease, and the perilous crossing of the Mekong River.

The Hmong Lao Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) was the only recruited surrogate army to fight solely for the United States, since we never had a nation-state of our own. More bombs were dropped in Laos than in all of World War II combined, leaving behind a landscape riddled with unexploded ordnance that continues to claim lives to this day.

Yet, despite these sacrifices, the Hmong story has largely been unrepresented in mainstream American history. That is changing. In 2025, the Minnesota Legislature advanced the Special Guerrilla Unit recognition bill, ensuring that Hmong veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces receive the honor and recognition they have long deserved. This is more than a policy victory—it is a declaration that our sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Minnesota: The Heart of Hmong Leadership and Innovation

Minnesota is not just home to one the largest Hmong population in the country, it is the epicenter of Hmong culture, art, and community health leadership. From the halls of government to the kitchens of celebrated chefs, Hmong Minnesotans are shaping the future with bold vision and relentless drive across sectors.

In politics, Hmong Americans hold multiple public offices across local, state, and judicial levels. Their leadership builds on the legacy of trailblazers like Senator Mee Moua who paved the way for Hmong representation in American politics.

In the culinary world, Chef Diane Moua and Chef Yia Vang have elevated Hmong cuisine to national prominence, bringing the flavors and traditions of our people to a broader audience. Diane’s Place and Vinai are more than restaurants—they are cultural spaces where food tells the story of resilience, migration, and identity. Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee has brought global recognition to the Hmong Minnesotan community, proving that our excellence knows no bounds. But beyond the spotlight, countless shamans, elders, veterans, and community leaders continue to guide and uplift our people, preserving traditions, healing families, and ensuring that our cultural roots remain strong. Their wisdom, service, and leadership are the foundation upon which our progress is built.

Beyond politics and food, Minnesota is a hub for Hmong artists, educators, and health leaders. Hmong leaders and organizations empower youth, foster civic engagement, and drive positive community change. Hmong artists are redefining storytelling through film, music, and visual arts, ensuring that our narratives are seen, heard, and celebrated. You can see Kao Lee Thao’s art on metro transit and view Bryan Vue’s film at local film festivals. In the context of global diaspora, the civic and creative impact is groundbreaking.

Community Health and Cultural Humility: The Path Forward

A recent report by the Hmong Public Health Association in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health reinforced the need for culturally responsive healthcare. Public health focused on cultural humility—a commitment to listening, learning, and adapting services to meet the unique needs of all communities. It is not enough to provide healthcare; we must ensure that language access, traditional healing practices, and community voices are integrated into decision-making. Across Minnesota, Hmong health leaders are pushing for better representation in public health policy, proving that our fight for recognition extends beyond history books and into the systems that shape healthy lives today.

The Next 50 Years: A Future Rooted in Power and Transformative Leadership

We have come far, but our journey is far from over. The next 50 years must be defined by continued advocacy and transformative leadership. We must ensure that Hmong history is told, that our contributions are honored, and that our voices shape the policies that govern our lives.

I have already outlived my grandfathers by over a decade, but longevity alone is not success—it is a reminder of unrealized ancestral dreams. The sacrifices of our elders must not be forgotten, nor should the barriers that continue to challenge our community.

Let us ensure that the secret war contradicts its name.  Instead, it’s embedded in American schools, shrines, and stories. The Hmong story is one still being written from within and in solidarity with all communities as we recognize Minnesotans’ shared prosperity. While 50 years in America is monumental, let’s ensure every day, we share and create new stories that uplift Hmong leadership.