WHEREAS, from 1961 to 1975, more than 40,000 Hmong individuals were recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to fight alongside American soldiers in the Secret War, a vital part of the Vietnam War, in Laos; and
WHEREAS, the fall of Long Cheng 46 years ago forced thousands of Hmong to flee Laos to seek refuge from persecution; and
WHEREAS, many Hmong war refugees and their families immigrated to other countries, including the United States, and to Wisconsin where today Appleton is home to more than 3,000 Hmong residents; and
WHEREAS, we honor the legacy of the Hmong people who served, were wounded, or lost their lives in battle to ensure America remains the land of the free, knowing we forever owe a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice; and
APPLETON - The Common Council hesitated Wednesday when asked to pass a resolution condemning xenophobia, racism and anti-Asian violence and encouraging Appleton to become a more welcoming, inclusive community.
Council member Bill Siebers referred the resolution back to committee, after he had voted in favor of it at committee last week. An attempt to block the referral fell one vote short of the required two-thirds majority.
Siebers said he supported the intent of the resolution but thought some of the language needed to be re-examined and changed. I would love to see a unanimous vote on this resolution, he said. I don t think we re there today.
Apr 16, 2021 1:49 PM
The city of Appleton puts up its own sign near a controversial sign along North Richmond Street.
The message board on the side of the building is using a gay slur and has drawn criticism from some residents.
On Friday the city put up a mobile board with a message expressing support for “dignity and respect” and that “hate has no home here”.
In a Twitter post, Mayor Jake Woodford says the offending sign is on private property and is protected by the First Amendment right to free speech.
Appleton Police Chief Todd Thomas shared this statement with WHBY, “Public messages and statements that make any community member feel threatened or disrespected is not acceptable and we are proud of our city’s community statement. First Amendment rights apply to all of us, and with that right we believe there is also a responsibility take ownership of your words, we are proud of ours.”