Mayor Woodford read his proclamation declaring September through December 2020 Hmong New Year Season at the 12/16/2020 Common Council meeting. A couple different members of the local Hmong community expressed appreciation for the gesture.
Kou Vang from Hmong American Partnership appeared in person at the Common Council meeting and made the following statement:
Thank you mayor. Hopefully, you can hear me through this mask. First of all, I want to thank Mayor Woodford and the city of Appleton. Hmong New Year is a celebration that’s been going on for 100 years old. It’s tradition to celebrate a successful harvest at the end of a season. It is usually celebrated in–here in the States, it’s usually November and December–where each city would hold their own new years. In addition to celebrating the end of a harvest, it is also time for fun and games and family get-together. Specifically, it allows young adolescents a chance to find their life mate. However, due to the pandemic, all Hmong New Years have been–um, is not celebrated this year. We still find ways to celebrate privately either through Zoom, Facebook, or other means. In welcoming the new year, we let go of bad influences, negative experiences, and anything that is harmful in 2020. In receiving the new year, the Hmong community wishes prosperity, unity, wealth, and health for the mayor, leaders of the Common Council, and the community. Thank you. On behalf of the Hmong community, I humbly accept your proclamation. Thank you, Mayor.
Kou Vang (12/16/2020 Appleton Common Council meeting)
Alderperson Maiyoua Thao also thanked the mayor for the proclamation and wished everyone a happy Hmong New Year with good health.
I think everyone in the community can appreciate their well wishes, can’t wait for the new year to start, and hopes it’s filled with health, prosperity, and unity.
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