Fundraising efforts are underway for a memorial statue in Wausau honoring Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War.
It will be the first memorial of its kind in the country: bronze, life-size statues of two Hmong soldiers and a U.S. pilot, on the grounds of the Marathon County Courthouse.
The Hmong played a critical role helping U.S. pilots who were shot down in the conflict. Peter Yang, executive director of the Hmong American Center in Wausau said it’s important to honor the veterans while they are still alive.
Stay informed on the latest news
Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.
“It’s a way to show respect for the Hmong veterans for their sacrifices and contributions, and also to honor them, that their efforts were not forgotten,” said Yang.
About 7,000 Hmong Americans live in Wausau. Funds for the memorial are being collected by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, which has been given an anonymous, matching grant of up to $100,000.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
