Minnesota lawmakers are working to provide official recognition to Hmong and other indigenous veterans who served in the Secret War in Laos from 1961 to 1975, according to discussions surrounding House File 1845.

The legislation would recognize veterans who served in CIA-recruited guerrilla units during the conflict, which operated under restrictions imposed by the Geneva Accords that prevented American troops from being stationed in Laos. The secret units were tasked with protecting the Ho Chi Minh Trail supply route and American radar sites during the Vietnam War era.

Veterans who testified described dangerous missions and the subsequent persecution they faced when the Pathet Lao took control, forcing many to seek refuge in Thailand. Many Hmong families later resettled in the United States, including Minnesota, but the veterans' service remained largely unrecognized.

House File 1845 would provide benefits including grave markers, honor guard services for burials, and fee-free driver's license renewals with veteran identification. The legislation also would allow veterans to receive recognition such as free meals on Veterans Day.

Advocates emphasized that while the benefits may seem modest, they represent important steps toward restoring dignity and honor to veterans whose service was previously unacknowledged by official channels.