14-88 Resolution No. 14-88
RESOLUTION
TO ACCEPT A PLAQUE FROM THE
ELGIN VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK PHASE II COMMITTEE
SO AS TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR LAOTIAN VETERANS
WHEREAS, the United States entered combat missions in the Vietnam War between
November 1, 1955 and November 30, 1975; and
WHEREAS, in 1961, North Vietnam advanced into South Vietnam using the Ho Chi
Minh Trail which crossed into Laos. Another war was waged and known as the Secret War; and
WHEREAS, Laotian soldiers and airmen were recruited and trained to engage in guerilla
warfare against the North Vietnamese. They fought alongside American soldiers, rescued
downed pilots and defended American outposts. Many were injured, tortured and killed; and
WHEREAS, after the evacuation of allied forces at the end of the war, these soldiers and
their families were forced to flee to Thailand for refuge, then eventually immigrated to the
United States. Many chose Elgin, Illinois as their new home; and
WHEREAS, on November 6, 2013, the City of Elgin honored and declared July 19 as the
Lao Veterans Memorial Day; and
WHEREAS, on November 6, 2013, a proclamation was issued in support of the
placement of an official plaque at the Elgin Veterans Memorial Park to recognize and honor
Laotian veterans who have served alongside our finest United States Armed Forces during the
Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, the Elgin Veterans Memorial Park Phase II Committee has raised funds for
and has created a plaque for placement at the Elgin Veterans Memorial Park to recognize and
honor Laotian veterans; and
WHEREAS, in order for the City of Elgin to formally accept the aforementioned plaque,
a resolution of acceptance must be approved by the City of Elgin.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS that an 11" x 9" plaque bearing the following language shall be placed at
the Elgin Veterans Memorial Park:
"In Recognition of the Lao Veterans who fought side by side with U.S.
Armed Forces during the Vietnam War in 1961-1975
We fled our country of Laos in 1975 after U.S. withdrawal. After settling
in the U.S.A. we've established the Lao/American Veterans Organization
of Illinois.
In 2013, we received a proclamation from the state of Illinois and the city
of Elgin honoring Lao veterans and declaring July 19th as Lao Veteran
57
Day.
s/David J. Kaptain
David J. Kaptain, Mayor
Presented: June 25, 2014
Adopted: June 25, 2014
Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0
Attest:
s/Kimberly Dewis
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk
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