Family members of Vang Pao initially hoped to bring his body to Hmong communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin. But now they say it won't happen because it's impossible to preserve the body during the trip.
Vang Pao died last week at age of 81 after battling pneumonia.
The only memorial will be at the Fresno Convention Center, where relatives are planning a funeral "fit for a king" for the revered former leader of the Royal Army of Laos. Funeral events will take place Feb. 4-9 and are expected to draw as many as 40,000 people.
Vang Pao's family is seeking a burial at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
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Hmong representatives have released new details about the upcoming funeral for their beloved leader, General Vang Pao.
They will be open around-the-clock over the course of the services.
There will also be candlelight vigils each night from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Hmong International New Year Headquarters located at Ninth and McKinley in Central Fresno.
The funeral committee has started the "General Vang Pao Memorial Fund." You can donate by going to any Wells Fargo Bank or sending a check to:
565 South Filbert Avenue
Fresno, CA 93727
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