The situation is this: The US bombed Laos relentlessly for 8 years, dropping over 2 million tons of ordnance between 1964 and 1973. This was a secret war -- the US people didn't know about it, even Congress didn't know about it. And not only was the bombing done in secret, it was done in direct contravention of the Geneva Accord, which basically said that Laos was off limits.
Tens of thousands of Laotians were killed during the bombing, but the casualties continue to mount to this day because about one-third of the bombs that were dropped didn't detonate on impact. They're still alive and ticking, though, and when found, will kill or maim anyone who sets them off.
I got ideas for fundraising and publicizing the cause of UXO removal at a symposium called "Be the Change," offered by the excellent Global Volunteer Network. I've known about this situation in Laos for three years now -- it never fails to astound me that so few Americans know what happened there during the Vietnam War -- and I am determined to raise as much money and awareness as I can, to remedy the situation. I'm confident that when Americans find out about the secret war, they will want to help clean up its aftermath.
Tens of thousands of Laotians were killed during the bombing, but the casualties continue to mount to this day because about one-third of the bombs that were dropped didn't detonate on impact. They're still alive and ticking, though, and when found, will kill or maim anyone who sets them off.
I got ideas for fundraising and publicizing the cause of UXO removal at a symposium called "Be the Change," offered by the excellent Global Volunteer Network. I've known about this situation in Laos for three years now -- it never fails to astound me that so few Americans know what happened there during the Vietnam War -- and I am determined to raise as much money and awareness as I can, to remedy the situation. I'm confident that when Americans find out about the secret war, they will want to help clean up its aftermath.
Areas of bombardment during the secret war
The red areas show air bombardment; the light gray areas show B-52 strikes; the purplish areas designate villages affected by UXO
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Poorest districts in Lao PDR
Note the similarity between the areas of greatest poverty, colored in red, and the areas of heaviest bombardment shown on the map on the left...
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COPE Centre, Vientiane
The COPE Centre in Vientiane is a place where survivors of UXO accidents can go for physical therapy, occupational therapy, prosthetic limbs, job training, and other services that will help them function as close to normally as possible. COPE stands for "Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise." COPE helps those who have had other accidents, like traffic accidents or industrial accidents as well as those injured by UXO.This is a link to their website: http://www.copelaos.org/
COPE patrons going out for a stroll
I spotted this group of guys just leaving the COPE Centre as I arrived. When I was there this past February and March, I also met Phonsavath Kim (who feels his name is too hard for foreigners so introduces himself as "Peter"). He's 20 now, and was injured by a bombie the night before his 16th birthday. As you can see in the picture below, Phonsavath lost both his hands when the bombie went off. He is also blind now, which is not as obvious because he is so bright and alert. I think he could be an excellent teacher. He has learned English and tutors on a volunteer basis while taking every opportunity to keep learning himself. He has a small tape recorder which he uses by pushing the buttons with his teeth, and he'll practice phrases and new words using the recorder. Phonsavath has also developed a really impressive (for anyone) breakdancing routine and wants to pursue that as a career. I've told him I think teaching is a better bet, but then what would you expect from a middle-aged mom?
Phonsavath Kim's laptop talks when he presses a key. He uses his chin to get around the keyboard and he stays in touch with friends via Skype.