From the desk of Justin Sayarath
Growing up as part of the Lao diaspora in America, I often navigated the delicate balance between preserving my cultural heritage and embracing my American identity. The stories of my parents and grandparents, who fled the war-torn landscapes of Laos, have always been a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength that courses through our veins. These stories are not just about survival; they are about the pursuit of freedom, the fight to hold onto our family’s rich history and identity, and the dreams my parents (and grandparents) carried with them as they crossed oceans to build new lives in foreign lands.
Growing up in the diaspora meant embracing my family’s roots where possible. My parents often took me to the temple to participate in holidays, festivals, and to spend time with other Lao families.
This year, the Laomerica 50: Democracy and Diaspora exhibit at the Minneapolis Central Library’s Cargill Gallery offers a rare opportunity for all of us to reflect on these very experiences. And it’s happening over 50 years after the last bombs were dropped on Laos during the American Secret War.
The exhibit is a collaborative effort between the Lao Center of Minnesota, SEALit Center, and other key partners. It marks 50 years since the end of the U.S. Secret War in Laos, a war that left an indelible mark on our homeland and its people. But this exhibit is more than just a reflection on the past; it is a celebration of the cultural contributions and creative expressions that have flourished within our community in the years since.
A powerful dimension of the Laomerica 50 exhibit is its exploration of the impact of the Secret War in Laos, a topic that has been central to the mission of Legacies of War. The exhibit offers a profound understanding of this hidden chapter in history through various pieces that visitors should take note of:
Period Artifacts: Rare books and photographs provide historical context, shedding light on how the diaspora was created by the war and its aftermath. These artifacts help visitors grasp the magnitude of the conflict and the long-lasting effects on the Lao people.
Art from Cluster Bombs: One of the most striking aspects of the exhibit is the art crafted from cluster bombs, a poignant reminder of Legacies of War’s advocacy for the removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos. These artworks, such as utensils made from cluster bombs and replicas of the bombs themselves, are a powerful testament to the resilience of the Lao people. The transformation of these deadly remnants into art serves as both a symbolic act of healing and a stark reminder of the dangers these bombs still pose—especially to children, who might mistake the real, unexploded bombs for toys due to their small, ball-like shape.
First-hand accounts: You’ll also find first-hand accounts in books and most notably, drawings of how villagers experienced the bombings and the aftermath of the Secret War.
Media Coverage: Additionally, the exhibit includes rare newspaper clippings that documented the bombings in Laos, some of which were among the few instances where this secret war was brought to public attention. These clippings, which include front-page stories, serve as a reminder of the secrecy surrounding the bombings and the importance of continued advocacy for awareness and cleanup.
These elements of the exhibit are deeply connected to the work of Legacies of War, highlighting the urgency and impact of clearing UXO in Laos. Whether through historical artifacts or the transformative power of art, the exhibit underscores the critical need for ongoing efforts to address the legacy of war in our homeland.
A classic Legacies of War t-shirt featured in the exhibit. It’s a reminder that the advocacy work that comes after a war like the Secret War, can look like everything from an art piece to a historical account–and even something as simple as a t-shirt. (It’s one of my favorites!)
I urge those in the Minneapolis area to visit this exhibit before it closes on September 27th. For those unable to attend, please consider supporting Legacies of War, as they continue the vital work of clearing UXO and preserving our shared history.
This exhibit is more than just an artistic display; it is a living narrative of our shared journey as Lao Americans. It is a celebration of our collective identity, our struggles, and our triumphs. And as we look towards the future, let us remember the importance of carrying these stories with us, for they are the threads that weave together the rich tapestry of our diaspora.
In honoring these stories, whether through visiting the exhibit or supporting the cause, we not only remember our past but also pave the way for a future where our children can inherit a world free from the shadows of war.
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