People of all races and religions gathered Saturday night to remember General Vang Pao. A candlelight vigil was held at Memorial United Methodist Church in Clovis. Supporters gathered to share memories and inspiring words about the Hmong leader.
The purpose of the gathering was to deliver a message to the younger generation.
Pai Tang, Vang’s Granddaughter says her hope is that the Hmong Community will remain, “united, to be strong so we can carry on his legacy and be one family.”
The vigil included a reverend from bishop reaching out to the Hmong community. Reverend Warner Brown says, “We seek to embrace you in this time of great loss.”
And an old friend of General Vang's speaks about his strength. Ernest Velasquez states, “you never knew the meaning of the words retreat, give up or surrender.”
The General's 11-year old great granddaughter, Sunshine Moua, sang to him and then shared these touching words, “because of you we see hope and success for our people. I will miss you and treasure your memories forever.”
Now that the 81-year old Hmong leader is gone, it's time for his people to take the torch that he carried for so long. Pai Yang comments, “There will always be challenges, but I think this is also an opportunity for everybody to reflect on the long journey and this free country and to really embrace each other and move forward.”
The funeral will take place at the Fresno Convention Center on February 4th through the 9th. General Vang Pao's funeral will be open to the public 24 hours a day for the week.
