The Haunting Legacy of the Secret War: Unexploded U.S. Bombs in Laos
Tucked away in the tranquil forests of Laos lies a sinister reminder of a conflict that continues to cast a long shadow over the country. As we, two brothers raised in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, embarked on a camping expedition in Phou Khao Khouay National Park, our excitement soon turned to disbelief.
Nestled amidst the serene beauty of a meadow, we stumbled upon a chilling sight: a bomb, partially buried in the mud, its metal casing gleaming ominously. It was a remnant of the secret U.S. bombing campaign during the Vietnam War, a grim testament to the enduring legacy of a conflict that claimed countless lives.
The discovery of this unexploded ordnance (UXO) served as a stark reminder that for many in Laos, the war is far from over. During the "secret war," the United States dropped over 2 million tons of bombs on Laos, more than were unleashed on Germany and Japan combined during World War II. Today, an estimated 80 million UXOs remain scattered across this country of merely 8 million people, posing a constant threat to communities and hindering development.
As an American, I was deeply troubled by the realization that the Trump administration’s decision to freeze U.S. foreign aid would have dire consequences for bomb clearance efforts in Laos. Without this funding, organizations like the one we contacted to report the bomb we found would struggle to continue their critical work.
The COPE Center in Vientiane provides a much-needed lifeline for victims of UXO explosions, offering prosthetics, physical rehabilitation, and outreach services. Their mobile unit extends care to remote villages, ensuring that even those far from the capital receive the assistance they desperately need.
Recently, I took a group of my students to visit COPE’s educational center. As they traced their fingers across a massive map of Laos, marked in red to indicate bombed areas, they shared stories of family members who lived in these regions, where economic progress has been stunted by land contamination and the constant threat of hidden bombs.
The same type of bomb that we found while camping was on display at the center, its long metal tube with fins evoking a sense of fear and dread. For these children, unexploded U.S. bombs are not just a relic of history; they are an ever-present danger that cannot be ignored.
Efforts to clear Laos of UXOs require sustained funding and international cooperation. The organizations working on the ground are not only removing bombs; they are also restoring land for agriculture and infrastructure, educating communities about the dangers of UXOs, and helping survivors rebuild their lives.
Many countries, including the United States, have come together to assist Laos in addressing this legacy of war. However, the question remains: will the United States continue to shoulder its responsibility for the devastating impact of its bombing campaign?
In the years since the secret war, I have witnessed firsthand the sadness and frustration that reverberate throughout Lao society every time a U.S. bomb claims another life. Too often, the victims are innocent children. As an American who is deeply committed to the well-being of Laos, I have found solace and guidance through Legacies of War, a non-profit organization dedicated to resolving the impact of the war.
I am honored to serve as a board member of Legacies of War and advocate for continued U.S. support for bomb clearance, education, and victim assistance. It is imperative that we work together to create a brighter future for the people of Laos, a future free from the haunting legacy of war.
