Bombs into Bracelets: Addressing
the Legacy of US War on Laos
Bryan Bowman and Greg Williams / Friends Committee on National Legislation

(April 4, 2024) — From 1964-1973, the United States dropped more than 250 million bombs on Laos. This was equivalent to one planeload of bombs every eight minutes, 24 hours a day, for nine years. Tens of thousands of civilians were killed.

But the harm did not end there.

Millions of these bombs did not explode and 52 years after the bombing, unexploded ordnance continues to pose a deadly threat daily for Laotians. Since the end of the bombing, 20,000 people have been killed or injured. Most of these victims are children.

But the people of Laos are resilient. Local artisans are transforming remnants of these bombs, initially into forks and spoons, but recently into jewelry, with the help of Article22. By turning these swords into plows, this company is creating economic opportunities for Lao artisans.

To mark International Mine Awareness Day today, FCNL partnered with Article22 to create two bracelets to support Lao artisans while helping address the enduring impacts of war.

The bracelets bear two FCNL messages inspired by the Quaker peace witness: “War is NOT the Answer,” and “Love Thy Neighbor (No Exceptions).”

As FCNL’s Stephen Donahoe explained, each piece sold “contributes to clearing bombs, making affected areas safer for future generations while also providing sustainable income for local artisans.”

Supporting this work is especially crucial right now, as the Trump administration is dismantling foreign aid, which threatens life-saving mine clearance and education programs in Laos and around the world.

A portion of the proceeds will support FCNL’s work for peace. This includes our advocacy to address the harms of past wars by protecting and strengthening foreign aid programs like de-mining, as well as our advocacy to prevent future wars by investing in peace-building initiatives.

By partnering with Article22, FCNL is also extending our advocacy, “beyond policy and into direct action—supporting artisans who turn the scars of war into a source of hope and prosperity,” according to Stephen.

We hope you will consider supporting this initiative for peace and justice if you are able