The Lao community in Las Vegas has a rich history rooted in resilience, sacrifice, and cultural pride. Many Lao families arrived in the United States as refugees following the Secret War in Laos, alongside other ethnic groups such as Hmong, Mien, Khmu, and Lahu. Despite their contributions to American society, including support during U.S. military efforts, the Lao community has often gone unrecognized and underserved. This petition urges the City of Las Vegas to officially recognize April 13 as Lao Heritage Appreciation Day, honoring the enduring legacy, cultural heritage, and civic contributions of the Lao community. By acknowledging their history and celebrating their presence, Las Vegas can foster unity, inclusion, and safe spaces for the Lao community to thrive, while preserving their traditions and strengthening their identity within the broader American fabric. Support this petition to recognize the resilience, contributions, and heritage of the Lao community in Las Vegas and across the United States.

The proposed resolution is below!

Empowering Lao People Nationwide: A Resolution for Unity and Growth

WHEREAS, the Lao community in Las Vegas traces its roots to the Secret War in Laos, during which Lao people were drawn into a conflict tied to the broader Cold War and U.S. military operations in Southeast Asia, resulting in displacement, loss, and the eventual resettlement of Lao refugees in the United States; and

WHEREAS, from this history emerged a diverse Lao diaspora, including Lao, Hmong, Mien, Khmu, Lahu, and other Indigenous and ethnic minority communities, who were displaced by war and migration and who collectively contribute to the cultural, social, economic, and civic life of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the City of Las Vegas recognizes the historical contributions and sacrifices of Lao individuals who supported United States military efforts during the Secret War in Laos, and acknowledges that gaps in recognition and access to benefits continue to impact members of the Lao community; and

WHEREAS, the City of Las Vegas affirms its recognition of the long-standing struggles of the Lao community, honors their resilience and contributions, and expresses its commitment to working in partnership to foster inclusive, welcoming, and safe spaces where the Lao community can gather, thrive, and continue to grow in Las Vegas; and

WHEREAS, we as Lao people acknowledge the struggles, hardships, and pain experienced by our community, including displacement, cultural loss, and generational challenges, yet we choose to move forward together, leaving behind hurt while honoring our shared history; and

WHEREAS, we as a community are committed to solidifying our identity within the broader fabric of American society, contributing actively to civic, social, and cultural life while preserving the language, traditions, history, and values that define us; and

WHEREAS, we recognize the ongoing need to strengthen intergenerational connection, empower youth and elders alike, and foster unity, representation, and access to culturally relevant resources for all members of the Lao community; and

WHEREAS, through collaboration, servant leadership, and collective action, we seek to ensure the well-being, resilience, and sustainable progress of our community for current and future generations; and

WHEREAS, we celebrate the richness of our Lao heritage alongside our shared American identity, fostering pride, unity, and belonging within a safe, inclusive, and welcoming Las Vegas; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Las Vegas officially designates April 13 as Lao Heritage Appreciation Day, honoring the resilience, contributions, and enduring legacy of the Lao community—both in their service during the Secret War and in their ongoing impact on the city and the United States.