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Each year
The Royal Lao Armed Forces, along with Lao community members and friends, assemble to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought to protect Laos and to memorialize those who gave their lives in defense of peace and freedom. The Royal Armed Forces which include the Air Force, Fluvial Navy and Army, both regular and irregular forces, represent all Lao ethnicities. The deployment of about 250,000 fighters, mostly of the low land Lao, suffered a heavy toll during the “Secret War” of Laos. The war casualties in Laos included a total of 57,500 men killed in action and 120,000 wounded. Of the 57,500 killed, about 50,000 were Lao and other ethnic groups, 5,000 were South Vietnamese, 2,000 Thai and 500 Americans.
Because of Laos’ strategic position, thousands of North Vietnamese had to go through Laos on the Ho Chi Minh Trail to wage the war in South Vietnam. The “Secret War” of Laos and the deterrent efforts along the Ho Chi Minh Trail inflicted heavy casualties on the North Vietnamese Army. Further, these efforts by the Royal Lao Armed Forces greatly reduced casualties of the American Forces deployed in South Vietnam.
Although the Royal Lao Armed Forces faced a tragic and historic turn in 1975 and its fighting members were consequently forced to take refuge in many parts of the world, we, Royal Lao Veterans of America, are proud to solemnly commemorate the Royal Lao Armed Forces Day and honor our men and women in uniform. We will be greatly honored by your support and participation in this important event.
Please RSVP to Khao Insixiengmay at Khinsixiengmay@laoamerica.org or (612) 302-9048. If you cannot attend but wish to make a contribution, please write a check payable to Royal Lao Veteran of America at 2648 West Broadway Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55411.
Sincerely,
Khao Insixiengmay
Executive Director of Royal Lao Veterans of America
Member of the US 5th Special Forces Association
Colonel S.G.U. (Former)