Hmong Refugee Returns To Laos To Find Childhood Home
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2020
- During the Hmong Secret War in Laos, my father and his family fled to the Hmong refugee camp in Thailand. He and his family later made their way to France where he met my mom at the age of 22. In 1989 he moved all of us to the United States for better opportunities. In 2017, my mother and I accompanied my father on a trip to Laos. It was his first returning since he left as a war refugee in 1975. 42 years after the end of the Secret war.
Going off of only memories, he retraces his steps to find his old home.
#hmonglaos #hmonginlaos #hmongtravel #hmongamerican #hmong
Each Hmong who has lived in Laos has a story and I'm glad your dad able to share his story to us. A lot of our elderly Hmong has lost their lives during the war and some have made it to third world countries such as France, United States, South America, ....etc and even those that has made it to third world countries are getting old and has died and no a lot of them left at the moment. Watching your dad story has made me cry and I'm sure it has touched a lot of Hmong who has lived or borne in Laos heart. Thank you for sharing on youtube.
Thank you for watching and thank you for the support. As you said, these these stories a slowly leaving with our elders. It’s important to document them while we can.
This is so sweet your dad looks at peace and so very happy.
Yes. I definitely think the experience gave him a sense of closure after leaving so abruptly as a child. Thank you for the comment. Much appreciated!
Your father has an amazing memory. You’re very lucky to be able to go back and experience and document this for your family. The heart ache of seeing the home land without the elders who used to live with you there is very painful. Definitely a piece of yourself that you leave behind that will be there forever.
Thank you. I think the trip gave him some closure. He was afraid to return for a very long time.
The smile on his face says everything.
It’s crazy how I stumble upon your video! I literally just had a conversation with my mother a couple days ago about going back to visit her hometown. The war traumatized her so bad that she doesn’t want to go back. When I ask her why she said she doesn’t feel safe. She told me the story of how she lost my aunt before coming to America. I can only imagine the emotions your face was going through when he’s walking down the streets of where he grew up. Sending nothing but love to you and your family! From a Hmong brother to another.
Hey thanks bro. My dad did want to go either. He left with some terrifying memories. I visited before him and talked him into going back. He had his concerns when he first got in, but the country has changed so much. It’s barely the place he remembers at a young boy. Definitely provided him with a sense of closure. You should do it.
Lots of Hmong liven in Laos like normal citizens now..and do the things like Normal Laos citizens.. been there 8!times now
Super vidéo,il faut avoir une sacrée bonne mémoire pour pouvoir retrouver cette maison 40 ans après, très touchant et nostalgique des vestiges du passé et l après guerre
Very moving. Our family also left Laos when I was 5 or 6. We've been American for nearly 50 years now, so I would love to take my wife and children to visit the old country. Unfortunately, we were highlanders, so our homes are unlikely standing today.
Like your family, my wife is also White (German/French/English) and my kids are obviously Hmong and White. Thank you for the touching video. We hope to make our own sojourn to Laos when my children are a little older and once it's safer to do so. You're certainly blessed to be able to make this "homecoming."
Thank you so much. I definitely hope you make it back there one day. ✌️
@@passport_ced you’re welcome! Love your globe trotting videos. I’m jealous! I’ve also been around the world compliments of Uncle Sam, but for once I’d like to travel without being armed to the teeth in full battle rattle. LOL!
Especially loved your French family reunion videos. My wife still has family in Germany also since her Great Grandfather didn’t cross the Atlantic until the 1900’s. So, we also hope to introduce our kids to their German relatives at a similar family reunion in Bavaria someday.
I had return to Thai Land where I was born in Ban Vinai. I don't remember much but at least I've gone home once before my lifetime. Phuket is one of the most beautiful place I've ever visit and everyone should go there once. The great Buddha at the mountain is a beautiful view. Even a view at one of the Grand Hotels at night is beautiful. I did went to Laos to but I really don't recommend it. Your own kind over in Laos are not your family nor people. It's sad but they are just looking out for themselves and their greed. Be for warn.
@@Moe7133 Been there to Laos 8 times.. I'm not sure who u meet but.. I love it..Laos
Thank you for documenting this!
My Father also escaped in 1975 and recently found his old house on google maps.
My grandfather built the house from the ground up using only his own two hands and a machete but unfortunately it is now just a few walls and rubble overgrown by nature.
We're planning a trip to go find it later this year. I was a little worried at first about how people there would perceive us but seeing how friendly and welcoming everyone in your video was put some of my worries to rest.
My father had the exact same fears. I went on a trip to Laos with my wife, came back and encouraged him to go back with me. I could tell that was a little paranoid when he arrived, but after a few days and seeing how welcoming everyone was, he was eventually at ease. I didn’t experience Laos during the war, but according to my father, the country has drastically changed.
You’re pretty good Brother. You and your Dad makes a great team. He looks natural.
Well thank thank you for that comment.
I have not made it back yet, my sister did and she cried the whole time, it’s an emotional experience. We escape like everyone else our stories are no different than any other refugee, but it is a profound connection to each other. Like the refugees from Ukraine now. We were driven out of our land because of mad men who only connection to people are based upon what we can do for them. Real people want peace and live their lives raising their families. Much respect to this man, God bless
I’m glad you went back n see your old home . God bless you n your family ❤❤❤🙏🙏👍🏾
Thank you.
❤ from Hmong Americans
Look at that smile! Worthy!
He was happy to return after all these years
This hits home since my moms family were refugees at the same time and she was still a kid when her family was sponsored to come to the states so she talked about all things she had to overcome like learning a whole new language. I’ve always wanted to visit her childhood house in Laos to see how life could of been like if my grandparents chose to stay .
Take that trip when you have the opportunity. It was such an eye opening experience all of us.
@@passport_ced oh, your father Parles Francais biene. LOL
My parents fled from Laos in 1976. They survived over 4 years in the refugee camps in the Phillipines. I was born in San Diego CA in 1981. This story made me emotional but yet appreciated to have all that I have. God bless the people of Laos.
Phillipines? That’s interesting. Never heard of a refugee camp in the Philippines. Are your parents Lao??
@Passport_Ced yes. They grew up in Vientiane, the capital.
That's awesome. Unfortunately my dad is not in good health to go back to visit Laos. I feel so bad for him. I'll be visiting Laos next month and hopefully will visit where my family lived
This is very sad .. but it’s happiness at the end he get to see his old houses 😢... I wish to see mine too even thought my father past away already 😭!
Hi Pakou. You should do the research and take the trip. Even if you don’t find it. It’s a sense of closure.
Do you have more videos about your father? I would love to watch them.
czcams.com/video/On1sm7oKOZo/video.html
Your video is amazing.
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it.
So many hmong refugees would have wished to be old enough back then like your dad, to have lived in an actual town or village with enough permanent landmarks, and to actually remember enough about the past by themselves or via surviving friends and relatives... to be as fortunate as your family. Great story of inspiration and accomplishment.
Thank you!
This is so powerful, made me cry.
Je suis Hmong, j'ai regardé plusieurs de tes vidéos, mon père n'est jamais retourné au Laos depuis qu'il a quitté le pays, en tout cas, émouvante vidéo, il reconnaît toujours l'endroit où il a grandi !
Salut! merci pour l'encouragement. ce n'était pas facile de convaincre mon père de retourner , mais nous avons réussi. belle expérience.
@@passport_ced Avec l'âge, mon père veut aussi retourner voir le Laos, surement la nostalgie du pays. En tout cas dans ta vidéo, je suis étonné de voir que ce sont aussi des Hmong qui habitent à l'emplacement de l'ancienne maison de ton papa.
Wait are you’s Hmong France??? Wow your dad has a really good memory ❤
I am Hmong Australia
Wow ❤😌😢
I love this! Definitely enjoyed watching this as my parents are also war refugees from the secret war in Laos. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching.
What a beautiful story, Lao has had such a turbulent past,
Thank you for watching.
Magnifique vidéo, tellement émouvante. Un jour j’espère que j’aurais l’occasion d’aller au Laos, le pays que mes parents ont du quitter il y a plus de 45 ans
Merci. Thank you for watching. You should definitely go if you have the opportunity.
Beautiful story
Thank you
@@passport_ced yw
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Amazing! I was born there came to the US when I was two don’t remember anything there someday I wish to visit to. The land where I was born the land my parents once called home
❤❤❤❤❤
That’s awesome
Thanks. Much appreciated.
As soon as you land at Lao Watty Airport, you feel like you are just arriving home tearfully…..
so sad, love it
Thanks for watching!
Wow
Thank you for watching
It reminds me of when I went to battambang, Cambodia, where my khmer father is from. An him showing the are where he grew up and the house and land he lived on. Which is now occupied by different owners, when the khmer Rouge seized all assets and then the Vietnamese left in thr 90's. It was sad and depressing.
Although our stories are unique in their own ways, many of us have traveled a similar path. I’ve heard many stories about Cambodia back in the 70s. Pretty horrific times.
Love the video! I’m a 1st generation American and I’ve herd constant stories from my family about Lao before and after the war. Supposedly my grandpa helped the CIA during the war was looked at as a traitor before they fled to Thailand at the refugee camp. They want to go back and visit so bad but are afraid too and think they will be captured for treason…. I don’t know if they are thinking excessively on the subject, but I would like to go with them someday. Have you herd of anyone ever getting trouble going back and do think it would be a good idea?
Your family’s story is the same as mines. My father didn’t fight but my grandfather played a roll during the war. My dad had the same fears your parents have. The country has changed a lot. I have heard of people getting caught up but it’s really rare and those people usually go back and somehow get involved in something. I think as long as you go as a tourist and don’t try to to do anything that the government would deem as unlawful their, you would be fine. I know so many people who’s families were once involved in the war that have gone back with no issues.
@@passport_ced I really appreciate you commenting back. I’m going to talk with them about it!
@@Ic3maninfection no problem. You def should. I think the trip brought a lot of closure to my dad.
Years ago I've met several people in Phonsavan during Hmong New Year who told me they were on 'the other side' during the war. It looks like most people just want to leave the history behind and move on. As long as you were not a 'big fish' during that time I think it is very unlikely you will have problems with the government in Laos about the things that happened in the 30 years of struggle before the revolution of 1975.
The wars hasn't stopped . There since has been over 2 dozens wars, regime change intel-revolutions since then. So guess who's been lied to and trained to be useful idiots?
Wow talk about being a child that's born into a world of so many cultures. The long stories you must tell to someone when they ask what your heritage is.
Believe it or not, I typically keep it as short as possible, by simply answering “Hmong”. But, occasionally I get the “what’s Hmong” in response and that’s where it sometimes turns into a long elaborate story.
Just wow I'm 😢 😭
Thanks man. Much appreciated.
I planted to go back live in Saiyabuli city no later 2024. We walked 10 days through jungle to Nan province Thailand in 1980. Back there's more fun and easier life.
10 days!? That’s crazy. Hope you make it back there.
I don't know if you can speak french but I guess yes. Je tenais a vous remercier parce que mon père qui est originaire du luang prabang ne nous a jamais parlé de son passé, mais jai toujours senti une profonde solitude en lui... Il a d'ailleurs fini dans l'alcool avec des problèmes judiciaires a gogo, je ne le voyais jamais dormir...un jour je tombe sur son passeport oû il y a écrit " réfugié du laos, interdiction d'entrée sur le territoire lao", la j'ai tout de suite compris mais jamais osé lui en parler. d'autant plus qu'il n'a jamais voulu rentrer au laos, il est categorique la dessus... j'ai toujours soupçonné un ptsd et j'ai besoin de comprendre ce qu'il s'est passé et grâce à vous et votre père je peux en déduire une partie alors "khrop chai" (je sais pas comment lecrire avec lalphabet haha) mais merci du fond du coeur pour le partage
Thank you for the comment. I do speak French but my grammar is pretty terrible, so I will reply in English. You should definitely ask him. Although our father’s history share similarities, every individual’s experience is unique. My father had fears of going back. It wasn’t until I traveled there with my wife in 2014 that I was able to talk him into it. I think returning to Laos brought him closure in a sense. Not saying that your dad should return, but maybe simply talking about it would be helpful. It was also a great experience for me. Even if I hadn’t join him on this trip, simply hearing his story and where he came from helped me understand who I am. If that makes any sense. I have another video on my channel where he describes the bight that they fled the country. You should definitely watch it. He goes more in depth with his story.
Here is the link
Réfugié Hmong Retourne Au Laos (English Subtitles)
czcams.com/video/On1sm7oKOZo/video.html
🙏🙏🙏
Thanks
My mother's story
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks for watching. Much appreciated.
Your father and mother are very good in English language ?? No wonder your father can speak French lol ha cool
Bhai ak bat batao video ko ads me kese laye
Wot?
@@wallywombat164 LOL
Témoignage très émouvant. Il parle Hmong ,je suppose. Je le trouve très courageux de dire qu'il ne faut pas rester bloqueé dans le passé.
Oui, I’ll parle Hmong.
@@passport_ced Is ur dad Hmong from Laos?
@@jackjackyphantom8854 that’s correct
@@passport_ced Oh I see. Hmong/Miao and Mien/Yao deserves more international recognitions, they literally don't have their own country.
Someday, its gonna be my turn to return
Get it!
Qhoa poj dawb hais lus hmong mas
Places change and soon faces will disappear and all of it will soon be stories of the past.
You’re absolutely right.
Ive heard stories from Lao people about crossing the river into Thailand. Having to drown their own babies to keep them quiet just so they could cross the river
It is wonderful now that those refugees can go back home
I’ve heard countless of tragic stories surrounding that river. Some very similar to what you’ve mentioned. War sucks
Oops.. Deleted your reply by accident.
But yeah. That’s wild. That ferry would have come in handy 50 years ago 😛
Is your last name Lyfoung ?
No. It’s not. Just Ly.
There is relation to the LyFoungs in France. Why do you ask?
If you are not Lyfoung I won’t ask anything else .
@@txujci6922 I m lyfoung what happened my boy tell me
@@nuclear9977 good to know . Lyfoung are humble family they keep their mouth shut for many years about dictatorship and politics .
Just keep doing what you do because right now too many Hmong people are going mad , the new world order is near and Hmong will reunify ....some countries will have to reform , but I hope when that day comes us Hmong people are ready .
Nyob zoo
Nyob Zoo
I ask my dad if he want back he told no. Now I know why
Interesting. I would actually encourage going back. The country has changed over the years. My father definitely had some fears about going back, but once he was there, it was pure joy for him.
@@passport_ced I hope he change his mind
@@akulathao4654 i hope so
Peb cov Hmong koj kuj yog tus haib thiab laiv yom poj dawb tseem nrog nhriam yus siv tau
Koj twv tsis tau kuv yog leej twg
.... Parle pas Lao...
Okay
Wars are terrible
Agreed
Hmong originated from china.