Tag Archives: merced

The Trauma of Escape: A Hmong Refugee's Journey to the U.S.

January 24, 2012, 1:48 pm • Posted by Changvang Her
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During the Central Intelligence Agency’s “Secret War” in Laos, when a secret guerilla army of some 30,000 Hmong were recruited to fight against the North Vietnamese, my father, Chue Zang Her, and my three older brothers were killed. As a young male teenager, I had to be responsible for everything as the head of the household. After the CIA withdrew in 1975, we had to join the resistance group in attempt to evade capture of our family, including my elderly mother, Nou Thao, who was blind for as long as I can remember. Continue reading »

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Celebrating Hmong New Year in Merced

January 4, 2012, 3:29 pm • Posted by Changvang Her
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There are many important holidays that the Hmong celebrates, but the Hmong New Year is the main one. Traditionally, the Hmong New Year is divided into three parts: the New Year Feast (Noj Tsab), the New Year Ceremonies (Noj Peb Caug) and The Celebration (Dlha Pob). This is a time for friends and families to gather and share what they have earned throughout the year. In the United States, it's also a time to take a break from the stress many Hmong families have from living as refugees in a foreign land. Continue reading »

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