New Memorial Honoring Hmong Soldiers Opens At Capitol

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A memorial for the Hmong heroes now sits on the mall of the Minnesota State Capitol.

It pays tribute to the men and women who served in the "secret war" in Laos from 1961 to 1975.

During the Vietnam War, the U.S. provided training and supplies to fight against communism expansion into Southeast Asia.

"We will not forget the veterans who died missing in action, in prison or got injured on the battlefield. We share with you the losses, the pain, the implications and the scars incurred from the war," a speaker at the ceremony said.

During the war 35,000 people were either killed or went missing in action.

A special dedication ceremony was held Saturday afternoon.

The memorial is in the southwest section of the Capitol Mall monuments.