In Laos, Hmong lived a peaceful agrarian life on hilltops before they were recruited to fight a bloody secret war for the United States against powerful communist forces. Hmong culture places a great deal of emphasis on relationships between individuals and people and respect for elders. Remembering ones roots and maintaining traditions are important for the Hmong. Because Hmong lived isolated on mountaintops and did not have a written language until the 1950's, the transition to mainstream life had especially been difficult for the first wave of Hmong settlers in the US. Challenges include things as simple as how to cross the street to things as complex as how western medicine works. After 30 years, the Hmong have proven themselves adaptable and capable. Hmong are no longer strangers to the twenty-first century. Today, you can find Hmong people as doctors, lawyers, business executives and even elected officials. « Previous Pages