Secret War Survivors

NOTE: My Fater is NOT in this picture. It has been pulled from Google Images. It just resembles and is very close to what the Hmong soldiers look like in the war. (No gears and protections. Just Weapons.)

During the Secret war, the Hmong people helped US soldiers recover and aid pilots that were shot down by the Vietcong in Vietnam. What many people don't understand about the Hmong people is that they are survivors of a secret war and had been supportive to the US army behind enemy zones. This is an important part of history for Hmong people, my parents, and mine as well. My father served in the army when he was around my age (19) at no choice and was one of many Hmong comrades that helped serve alongside the US. After loosing the Secret War, Hmong people were granted access to the United States of America for their honorable help. My history is sort of what Art Spiegelman illustrates in his graphic novel Maus. My parents' history was very similar to Spiegelman's father's. Both our parent's history had to do with survival, dealing with stressful situations, making decisions and sacrifices that will impact their futures and their children's future.

My life is greatly influenced with my parent's decision. I think that a lot of their survival had to do with luck and the decisions that they chose. If it weren't for my parent's survival, I probably wouldn't be here today to tell the story of what makes me me. I am the first generation of a surviving generation from the Secret War. What influences me and my own decision making are the struggles and sacrifices my parents made to come to the US. My parents sacrificed their life through fighting for their freedom, giving up their land, and loosing some of their siblings behind the war. My presence was possible because of my parents decision. If it weren't for them, would I still be here today in the US or still in Laos? I am culturally influenced and historically shaped through what my parents struggle and go through. My thoughts and what I plan to do with my life is dependent on my past and what my parents have gone through for my generation and siblings.