SAINT PAUL, Minn. — It took no more than a quick look around Legacy Funeral Home in Saint Paul on Saturday to see how many people Tou Ger Xiong impacted.
Xiong, a Hmong activist and comedian, was killed in Colombia last year. Officials there say three people have been arrested in connection with his murder. All three denied the charges at a hearing.
For those who knew Xiong, Saturday was bittersweet.
"It's also a final farewell to my brother," Eh Xiong, brother of Tou Ger, said. "So, from that standpoint, it's sad."
"It's sad, the family is sad, but we are glad that he can finally put a closure to his life here, and move more beyond this point," he added.
Saturday's memorial service was attended by hundreds of members of the Hmong community, as well as politicians, including Governor Walz, Senator Tina Smith, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and members of the Minnesota Senate and House. Other politicians, including Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congresswoman Betty McCollum, had representatives speak on their behalf.
"To Minnesotans, Tou Ger was a treasure," Governor Walz said. "Tou Ger embodied what we'd like to think we are. The best of what we are."
Dozens of others spoke as well, including other family members.
"We hope to carry on your work in social justice and bridging communities," Dr. Pangjua Xiong, sister-in-law of Tou Ger, said. "We hope to make you proud."
Easy to see at Saturday's memorial was the impact Xiong had – especially on those who were searching for their sense of self as Hmong.
"Everywhere he goes, he leaves a little thing that people will never forget about him. It's contagious, the way he does things," Wang-yu Vu said. "When we were little, we were scared to be who we really are."
"With him paving the bridge... don't be scared of who you are," he continued. "Don't be afraid. You are who you are."
As is tradition in Hmong culture, the memorial service will span three days. Xiong's committal service is set for Monday, Jan. 29.
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