Thousands Gather To Mourn Hmong Leader Vang Pao

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) -- Mourners keep streaming in from across the globe to honor the late Gen. Vang Pao on the fourth day of memorial services in Fresno for the Hmong military hero.

Vang Pao inspires an unparalleled reverence among the ethnic Hmong he led during the Vietnam War and later helped to resettle throughout the United States. He died of pneumonia Jan. 6 at age 81.

On Monday, the general's attorney, as well as the CIA official who first recruited him to lead a guerrilla army in Laos, are expected to speak. Meanwhile, mourners continue to file past his casket to pay their respects at the city's convention center.

Vang Pao's family and friends also will address the crowd Monday and continue with traditional ceremonies aimed at ushering his soul into the spirit world.

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