A problem we can fix within our lifetime
"For years, she urged the United States to do more to help remove unexploded bombs here in Laos. 'There are many, many problems in this world that might not be able to be solved in a lifetime,' she's said, but this is one we can fix. So, Channapha, we thank you for working to fix this problem."
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-President Barack Obama
From 1964-1973, the U.S.​ dropped more than two million tons of ordnance on Laos during 580,000 bombing sorties—equal to a planeload of bombs every 8 minutes, 24 hours a day, for 9 years.
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With over 270 million cluster bombies dropped on Laos, approximately 30%, about 80 million, did not explode on impact and are still in the ground.
Roughly 30% of Laos is contaminated with UXO. Less than 10% has been cleared since the last bomb was dropped in 1973.
Laos remains the most bombed country per capita in history.
Laos remains the most bombed country per capita in history.
Laos remains the most bombed country per capita in history.
Legacies of War leads the call to ban cluster munitions in the U.S. and around the globe as the Chair of the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines - Cluster Munition Coalition
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Why We Exist
Legacies of War is the only U.S. based educational and advocacy organization dedicated to increasing awareness about the American Secret War in Laos and U.S. wars in Southeast Asia. Our primary objective is to secure U.S. funding for the removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, while also advocating for survivor assistance and mine risk education.
We take a holistic approach to our community engagement efforts, combining multiple disciplines, including history, politics, food, art, fashion, and cultural heritage. Our aim is not only to educate and mobilize individuals on the issue of UXO in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, but also to encourage the diaspora and veterans in the U.S. to embrace and preserve their shared history of war and refuge. By transforming our experiences of shame and pain into narratives of resilience, cultural pride, and healing, we strive to empower these individuals and promote a deeper sense of community and belonging.
Commit to this life-saving work!
This year, our goal is to recruit 50 new members to join our recurring giving program, Lam Vong Circle. This special group of advocates are committed to being on this journey together until we get the job done! Will you join us? Become a member by donating $10/year.
We support the diaspora communities impacted by the American Secret War in Laos and U.S. wars in Cambodia and Vietnam in three distinct ways:
Legacies is a proud member of these working groups
War Legacies Working Group
Conventional Weapons Destruction Network
Environment in Mine Action
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