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#9 - Our Legacy

Peace Bombs

Today, a history lesson.
Laos, a small Southeastern Asian country, is a landlocked place in between Thailand, Cambodia, China, and Vietnam.....what possible strategic position it could occupy on the global stage is beyond me.

The United States of America dropped almost 250 million bombs on this tiny place, waging a SECRET WAR that not disclosed to the US public from 1964 until 1973. 
This is equivalent to 52 plane loads of bombs, every 8 minutes,
 24 hours a day, for 9 Years.

We (America) made Laos, on a per capita basis, the most bombed place 
on earth...ever in human history.

Even today, almost 300 people every year are casualties to unexploded ordinance.....the American legacy in Laos.

They are much more forgiving than I could ever be. Everyone I've meet here is gracious, kind, helpful, and welcoming.

At the Night Market, in addition to the beautiful silk scarves handmade here in Luang Probang, or the delicate handmade paper, or the delicious smelling street food, you get the opportunity to buy back some of our bombs. 

Pieces of metal from these weapons have been scavenged and smelted down to make jewelry and cutlery......a unique way to help some of the maimed make a living.So, when you come to my home next time for coffee, pay attention to the small silver spoons you are served......they are a tangible piece of our shameful past.





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