Lao, Hmong, Vietnam Veterans Honored by US Congressman James Langevin at Arlington National Cemetery

WASHINGTON - May 26, 2019 - PRLog -- The following is the statement issued and delivered by U.S. Congressman James Langevin (D – Rhode Island ), at national ceremonies held in Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Virginia, to honor Lao and Hmong-American veterans and their U.S. military and clandestine advisors. The veterans memorial ceremonies were held at Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam War Memorial, and the U.S. Congress on May 14-15, 2019, by the Lao Veterans of America, Lao Veterans of America Institute, Center for Public Policy Analysis, National Association for Black Veterans, U.S. Special Forces Association , the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Army's " Old Guard" Honor Guard, Wreath Bear and Bugler:

U.S. Congressman James Langevin
Statement at the U.S. Army "Old Guard" Wreath Laying Ceremony
to Honor Lao and Hmong Veterans and their
U.S. Military and Clandestine Advisors
of the Vietnam War in Laos
at the Lao Veterans of America Monument
Arlington National Cemetery
"Laos Memorial"
and Vietnam War Memorial, Washington, D.C.
May 14-15, 2019
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Honored Guests, Veterans, Ladies and Gentleman:

Thank you for inviting me to your veterans' memorial ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam War Memorial, and U.S. Congress, to be with you today to reflect upon the bravery of our Lao and Hmong brethren who fought alongside American service members during the Vietnam War, particularly those who gave their last full measure in defense of this great nation and the Royal Kingdom of Laos. They have ensured that America's beacon of freedom continues to shine for the whole world to see.

It is truly an honor to serve Rhode Island's Lao- and Hmong-American community; and, I consider it my own duty as a Member of Congress to make sure that we uphold our commitments to you in small recompense for your brave service during the Vietnam War in Laos and Southeast Asia.

The efforts and passion of the Lao Veterans of America and Center for Public Policy Analysis, who organized today's wreath laying ceremony, preserves the memories of those we honor here today, and I am thankful for those of you who work tirelessly to ensure that 'patriotic valor and loyalty in the defense of liberty and democracy will never be forgotten'.

Thank you.

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http://www.centerforpublicpolicyanalysis.org