“Let me be born a Hmong again, so we can love each other all over, as we did during my lifetime.” – General Vang Pao.
A Soul Release Ceremony will be held on Memorial Day weekend for General Vang Pao in St. Paul. General Vang Pao, a hero to the Hmong people, passed away this January in California, where a funeral service was held. The purpose of this weekend’s ceremony is to release his spirit into heaven to be reborn again — preferably, as a Hmong.
During the Vietnam War, General Vang Pao organized a force of 39,000 Laotians to fight against the Northern Vietnamese communists on behalf of the US. He is also remembered for playing a key role in gaining congressional approval for the resettlement of over 100,000 Laotian and Hmong refugees in America, advocating for freedom and democracy and Laos, and founding a social services organization and 18 Clans Council for Hmong American communities. See here for a complete bio.
HQB Food Shelf Coordinator Bao Xiong had this to say about General Vang Pao:
To better understand who he is to the Hmong people, General Vang Pao resembles Martin Luther King Jr. No one can replace General Vang Pao nor replace Martin Luther King Jr. in our communities. General Vang Pao and Martin Luther King Jr., both came from a different background but they fought for one thing, Freedom. They fought for their people to be free with opportunities and respect. Their legendary deeds continue to inspire people for generations to come and to a better future. Hmong people honored General Vang Pao as a Father, Fighter, Leader, Lord Protector, and a Hero due to many great things he has done for his people.
Everyone is welcome to honor this man and his legacy by attending the Soul Release Ceremony. The ceremony will be held at Legacy Funeral Home: 255 Eaton Street, St. Paul, 55107. For more details, call Xang Vang at 651-335-6395.
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