WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — For the first time, the Hmong community has a memorial to honor them in Wausau.

The Hmong Veterans Memorial depicts three Hmong soldiers arm in arm, wearing Vietnam era uniforms. Hmong soldiers had a large role in the Secret War fought over control of Laos, which the US had financial backing and military forces in. The end of the war marked the beginning of large numbers of Hmong immigration to the US and around the world.

Members of the Hmong community felt that the memorial recognized an important contribution from their culture, including Maysee Herr, who spoke with Newsline 9.

“It acknowledges their role during the Vietnam War. Many, many lives were sacrificed as a result and because of the sacrifices they made, many of us are able to be here,” Herr said.

The new statue now stands in front of the east entrance of the Marathon County Courthouse.