#tshoobhmoob

[simplejoiephoto]

It’s Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month! Haven’t posted anything about it yet and the month is almost over so I thought it fitting to share something today on Memorial Day to thank all those who served. Little unknown fact: My dad served in the military during the Secret War in Laos towards the end of the Vietnam War in a ground force along side other Hmong soldiers to assist remaining US influence in South East Asia. Dad doesn’t like to talk about it much and sometimes modestly replies that he didn’t play a significant role because the war was almost over at that point but I like to think that it was his efforts that allowed my family to come to America. Although there is more info out there and it’s so easy to research things on the web these days, a lot of people still don’t know about the secret war. I won’t get into details since you can just @wikipedia it but just that: my family had to escape Laos in order to survive. After seeking refuge in Thailand, this little lady (me) was born in a refugee camp in 1984. So every time I tell someone I was born in Thailand, they’d ask if I speak Thai but nope! I’m Hmong. I’d love to share more with you over coffee someday and tell you what I know.. if you’re interested. Love my heritage!! Sharing this photo from Susan + Gary’s Traditional Hmong wedding from ages ago! #hmongwedding #traditionalhmongclothes #traditionalhmongwedding #loveissimple #asianpacificislanderheritagemonth #asianamericanheritagemonth #asianamerican #asianwedding #tshoobhmoob #hmongamerican #simplejoiephoto #bayareaweddingphotographer #pdxweddingphotographer #fobpose #fobbyhmongmusic #hmoob #hmongpeople (at Simple Joie) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAnsEE3DChX/?igshid=dod13gc1ek47