I rise today to recognize and express my appreciation to the Lao and HmongAmerican community in Californias 16th Congressional District and across the country. especially the veterans and their families. It is important to note their historic and positive contributions to Californias San Joaquin Valley and their critical sacrifices in support of the United States during the Vietnam War. This year. my Congressional office was pleased to once again attend the memorial ceremonies held this past May in Arlington National Cemetery to honor those who served during the Vietnam War as well as their refugee families who were resettled in America following the end of the conflict. Each year. since May 1997. constituents from my district in the San Joaquin Valley travel a very long distance to Washington. D.C.. to help organize and host this memorial service.