LAO-HMONG CELEBRATE LANDMARK RULING
by Gil Asakawa
April 10, 2002

Denver’s Lao-Hmong community threw a party April 6 celebrating the United States’ official recognition of the Lao-Hmong.

The "Lao-Hmong Recognition Day" celebration, an occasion of Pride, Honor, Friendship and Harmony, was held at the Cottage Social Club, 3315 W. 72nd Ave. in Westminster. The evening began with a brief video of the Lao-Hmong SGU, a recap of the Lao-Hmong Recognition Day reception and Congressional Proclamation Ceremony held in Washington D.C. on February 27, 2002, followed by special remarks by public officials.

Food was served including spicy-sour Papaya Salad and delicious spicy Larb. Entertainment was provided by the Say Namkhong Band, which played a variety of world music from the Brazilian dance hit "The Lambada" to the classic rock song "Who’ll Stop the Rain," all sung in Laotian. The crowd joined in a variety of line dances, traditional hand dances and plain rock dancing styles.

The evening was hosted by Yang Chee, the head of Lao-Hmong community.