General Vang Pao
Memorial Monument
Chico, California
General Vang Pao's Journey
General Vang Pao was born on December 8, 1929, in Ha Ta Sheng, Laos, and died on January 6, 2011 in Clovis, Fresno. General Vang Pao’s extraordinary journey changed the destiny of the Hmong people. His legendary deeds will continue to inspire his people for generations to come.
General Vang Pao was best known as the charismatic military commander in America’s “Secret War”. From the 1960’s to mid 1970’s, the General daringly led his troops to achieve three missions. These missions were 1) to stop the flow of the North Vietnamese troops and supplies through the Ho Chi Minh Trail into Laos, 2) to rescue downed American pilots, and 3) to protect the Americans that navigated the B-52s and the jets to bomb North Vietnam. General Vang Pao successfully fought for 15 years. During this time, his troops rescued and saved countless Americans and delayed the advancement of communism for over a decade. Former CIA chief, William Colby, once called him “the biggest hero of the Vietnam War.”
General Vang Pao was the only Hmong general in the Lao Army and served as one of the five Military Region Commanders to defend freedom and democracy in Laos. His remarkable military prowess earned him the title of Phagna Norapramok, Lord Protector of the Land, from His Majesty the King of Laos, Savang Vatthana. After the fall of Saigon and America retreated in 1975, General Vang Pao and his family were air-lifted safely into Thailand as promised.
However, General Vang Pao’s soldiers and their families were left behind and were persecuted by the Communists. Thousands were executed and many thousands took to the hills or fled Laos to seek refuge in neighboring countries. General Vang Pao’s heart ached for his people. He vigorously lobbied Washington and was instrumental in gaining congressional approval to resettle the Hmong people in the United States. Today, over 200,000 Hmong refugees from Laos have resettled and started new lives in America. The Hmong people are indebted to General Vang Pao for his courageous acts and political efforts. He is dubbed the “founding father” of the Hmong people.
On January 6, 2011, the Hmong people lost a Hero, a Leader, a Lord Protector, and a Father. It is our hope to construct this special monument of a beloved man and a great leader to honor and recognize his achievements and sacrifices. We hope this monument will serve as a tribute of his legacy and inspire future generations to strive towards a brighter future. General Vang Pao’s spirit will remain forever in the hearts and minds of the Hmong people.
General Vang Pao was best known as the charismatic military commander in America’s “Secret War”. From the 1960’s to mid 1970’s, the General daringly led his troops to achieve three missions. These missions were 1) to stop the flow of the North Vietnamese troops and supplies through the Ho Chi Minh Trail into Laos, 2) to rescue downed American pilots, and 3) to protect the Americans that navigated the B-52s and the jets to bomb North Vietnam. General Vang Pao successfully fought for 15 years. During this time, his troops rescued and saved countless Americans and delayed the advancement of communism for over a decade. Former CIA chief, William Colby, once called him “the biggest hero of the Vietnam War.”
General Vang Pao was the only Hmong general in the Lao Army and served as one of the five Military Region Commanders to defend freedom and democracy in Laos. His remarkable military prowess earned him the title of Phagna Norapramok, Lord Protector of the Land, from His Majesty the King of Laos, Savang Vatthana. After the fall of Saigon and America retreated in 1975, General Vang Pao and his family were air-lifted safely into Thailand as promised.
However, General Vang Pao’s soldiers and their families were left behind and were persecuted by the Communists. Thousands were executed and many thousands took to the hills or fled Laos to seek refuge in neighboring countries. General Vang Pao’s heart ached for his people. He vigorously lobbied Washington and was instrumental in gaining congressional approval to resettle the Hmong people in the United States. Today, over 200,000 Hmong refugees from Laos have resettled and started new lives in America. The Hmong people are indebted to General Vang Pao for his courageous acts and political efforts. He is dubbed the “founding father” of the Hmong people.
On January 6, 2011, the Hmong people lost a Hero, a Leader, a Lord Protector, and a Father. It is our hope to construct this special monument of a beloved man and a great leader to honor and recognize his achievements and sacrifices. We hope this monument will serve as a tribute of his legacy and inspire future generations to strive towards a brighter future. General Vang Pao’s spirit will remain forever in the hearts and minds of the Hmong people.