In honor of Lao New year, we have a special episode featuring Danae Hendrickson, Chief of Mission Advancement and Communications at Legacies of War. Danae shares her journey as a Lao American and her work with Legacies of War to address the devastating impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos caused by the U.S.’s Secret War in Laos and its secret bombing campaign. Danae's family history as refugees from Laos deeply informs her advocacy for survivors and for greater U.S. responsibility in clearing UXO. The episode highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the secret bombing of Laos during the Vietnam War, the challenges posed by funding freezes, and the importance of remembering this history. This conversation emphasizes the importance of community led advocacy, historical awareness, and finding hope amidst the legacies of war in Southeast Asia.

Key Takeaways:

• America’s Secret War in Laos and its secret bombing campaign dropping over 2 million tons of bombs on Laos between 1964 and 1973.

• The U.S.’s moral obligation to clear unexploded ordinances left by its secret bombing campaign that’s killing innocent children today.

• How U.S. Foreign Aid is provided and why America should be held accountable and take responsibility to right its past wrongs.

• Legacies of War’s mission to support community led advocacy and engage elected officials to continue to support the clearing of UXOs.

• The detrimental impact of funding freezes, including USAID, to local communities who are continuing to be harmed by the U.S.’s war campaign.

• Historical commemorations and education to ensure that the legacies of war are not forgotten.

Connect with us:

• Connect with Danae Hendrickson on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/danae-hendrickson/.

• Connect with Legacies of War at https://www.legaciesofwar.org/, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacies-of-war/, or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/legaciesofwar/.

• Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.

• Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.

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