Remembering General Vang Pao—A Leader, A Father, A Friend

“Sawv daws yuav tsum sib hlub, yog vim hais tias kev sib hlub thiaj li yog qhov muaj yeej xwb.” - General Vang Pao

On January 6th, 2011, one of the Hmong community’s most influential leaders left our world. General Vang Pao passed away one year ago after fighting a terrible bout of pneumonia. Tens of thousands of people from all over the world flew into California to pay their last respects to him during his funeral, held at the Fresno Convention Center in Fresno, California. After the six-day long traditional ceremony, the General’s body was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California.

Vang Pao’s military and leadership skills were most coveted, having fought in the Royal Lao Army for the French and for the King of Laos. With successes in his military career, Vang Pao’s rise to the rank of General often is discussed as a turning point for the Hmong—respects were paid to the Hmong as they had never been before. It was this very skill set that allowed for his recruitment into the United States CIA’s “Secret Army.” But despite his high ranks, Vang Pao remained accessible to the Hmong, inspiring soldiers to fulfill their duties in exchange for food, clothes, and medicine for their families; listening to the Hmong community’s concerns; and settling various clan disputes.

And yet, the man is remembered for being just that as well—a traditional Hmong man. Vang Pao left behind a family—sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and the mother of his children. All of the people closest to Vang Pao reminisce about the rarity that was spending leisure time with such an important man—a man who barbecued chicken feet at birthday parties, who ate at local Chinese restaurants, and who loved hunting for sport. Vang Pao has always been a little like all of us.

The General worked hard to preserve the Hmong culture, even adapting his thoughts to the evolution of the Hmong towards the end of his life when he encouraged the bridging of younger and older generations and the embracing of certain Western values, such as education, technology, and health care. Whether you were a fan of the General’s principles or not, it is widely accepted that Vang Pao always knew how to create commotion and dialogue within the Hmong community. Leadership was definitely a force that Vang Pao had on his side and it was through much of his work that the Hmong were able to set foot into America. Love him or hate him, respect is due for the man who risked his life to provide for the greater good of the Hmong.

Hmong Pages pays tribute to the loss of one of our great leaders with this photo montage, some of which have rarely been seen by the public from private collections. We will not forget that Vang Pao fought for the Hmong and he need not worry that no one else continues to fight for our people. The Hmong are proud of our culture and will continue to succeed in this nation to allow ourselves to become more prosperous than ever. Rest in peace, General, and may you have found peace in your afterlife as well.

By Elizabeth Thao