Vang Pao's Family Blasts Burial Denial

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) -- The family of former Laotian general and Hmong leader Vang Pao says it is "disgraceful" that the U.S. Army has denied a request that the U.S. ally in the Vietnam War be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

In a statement released Saturday, the second day of a six-day funeral in Fresno for Pao, the family said the denial is a lesson in how the Obama administration honors America's allies.

Two California congressmen submitted the request shortly after he died at 81 on Jan. 6, saying Pao should be buried alongside the American soldiers he fought with in Laos.

Army Secretary John McHugh said Friday the request was turned down after a unanimous recommendation from a board of military and civilian officials.

It was not clear where Pao would be buried.

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