LANSING, Mich., May 15, 2026 — Yesterday, state Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) introduced and spoke to her resolutions on the House floor at the Capitol honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this May, and declaring May 14, 2026, as Hmong Special Guerilla Units (SGU) Veterans Remembrance Day in the State of Michigan. 

“I’m honored to introduce resolutions recognizing the rich history and valuable contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander families in Michigan,” Xiong said. “This month is a celebration of Michigan’s AANHPI community, the small business owners, nurses, teachers, and all those who call Michigan home and make our state stronger.” 

In 1958, the CIA enlisted the aid of the Hmong people of Laos in crucial operations against North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao forces. The Hmong SGU Veterans Remembrance Day resolution recognizes the courageous efforts of the Hmong men and women who defended American freedoms during the Vietnam War and overcame tremendous challenges, suffering an estimated 30,000 lives lost and 150,000 others displaced.  

Along with introducing the resolution, Xiong engaged with Michigan’s AANHPI community on the Capitol steps yesterday morning. 

“The history of Asian Americans and Hmong veterans’ contributions to our state and country is deeply personal for my family and many others. Today, we remember their bravery, commitment to protecting American freedoms and unwavering courage,” Xiong continued. “While we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we must also acknowledge the truth about our history. I will keep fighting for policies that reflect our values, including protecting immigrant families from unjust detention and deportation, expanding access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunity, supporting language access, teaching our history in classrooms, and standing against hate crimes and anti-Asian discrimination.” 

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