Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez
Feb 5, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Major General of Royal Lao Army, Vang Pao breathed his last on January 6, at the age of 81. It came as a shock to the supporters of General Vang Pao as the U.S. army officials rejected the request to bury the leader with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery. Thousands of ethnic Hmong supporters paid their tribute to their leader on Friday in central California during the first day of his funeral but soon they were angered when U. S. authorities declared that the General would not be buried with full honors in Arlington National Cemetery. However, the friends of General Vang Pao told a reputed media outlet that they would appeal to the high court.

Congressman Jim Costa, who was present to witness the funeral and pay his last respect told a reputed media outlet that the whole incident is disappointing. Jim Costa also said that Vang Pao was not only a hero to the Hmong people but also a hero to all other Americans who was with him in the Vietnam War. On the other hand, Gary Tallman, the spokesperson of Pentagon said that the Board has thoroughly reviewed the case and concluded that General Vang Pao did not meet the criteria of military funeral. However, this decision has received many criticisms and General Vang Pao’s friend, Charlie Waters told a reputed media outlet that it was a “lame excuse” as no one can take away the place of an American service member.

Charlie Waters, hence said that they would appeal to the White House for proper justice. William Colby, the Former Central Intelligence Agency chief called General Vang Pao as the “biggest hero” in the Vietnam War. However, on Friday’s funeral, Vang Pao’s friend William Dietzel paid his tribute and said that the leader will be remembered forever for his extraordinary service in Vietnam War.