The acknowledgement of the 'Secret War' in Laos marked an important moment for U.S.-Lao relations and recognition of the Hmong community's contributions during the Vietnam War era. The 'Secret War' was a covert military operation involving the CIA, U.S. military personnel, and the Hmong people from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. It aimed to combat North Vietnamese influence in Laos and support U.S. efforts during the broader Vietnam War. The dedication of the Laos Memorial took place in Arlington National Cemetery, an appropriate site for honoring veterans. The U.S. government invited Hmong veterans and their families to participate, highlighting the significant sacrifices made by these individuals.

The memorial features a granite wall inscribed with the names of Hmong and Laotian veterans who served. The dedication ceremony was attended by prominent figures including U.S. lawmakers and veterans’ organizations, symbolizing a formal acknowledgment of the contributions of these individuals in a conflict largely overlooked in mainstream U.S. historical narratives. This effort represented an effort to reconcile past grievances and restore dignity to those who served in silence and with little recognition, fostering dialogue around the experiences of refugee communities in the United States today.