THUMBS UP to U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry for working toward the creation of a national Hmong Recognition Day. The day would recognize the contributions of this group of American citizens' sacrifice to support the United States during and since the Vietnam War. McHenry understands the positive contributions the Hmong community has made in Catawba County and in other communities across the country. A national day to recognize the Hmong people is appropriate. The time has come for the Lao-Hmong community to be recognized for their contributions to Democracy. The Hmong fought alongside Americans against the North Vietnamese army from 1960 to 1975. During that war, more than 35,000 Hmong lost their lives while participating in tactical guerrilla action, combat and rescue missions and intelligent operations.

Link to editorial here: http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/content/2009/may/09/thumbs-thumbs-down/news-opinion/