Laos’s Legacy

Being a first generation American citizen, I am privileged. I did not have the tribulations of immigrating to the U.S, I did not have the inevitable cautiousness to watch where I step outside for bombs, I did not have build my perseverance off first-hand danger in my country. Instead, these obstacles were passed down to me. The hurdles my parents have carried me over, became a staircase to the person I am today. A girl with aspirations, an education, empathy, and opportunities I owe all to them.

I have attended many reunions, birthday parties, weddings, and even funerals. Yet at each different purpose to meet, the common denominator never changes—loud karaoke. When I was little, I used to cover my ears, crying to my mom.

“Why is it so loud? My ears are hurting!”

Now as I am still being lifted over every hurdle, I understand. They sing to fight. By belting the convey the message: I am here, and you will hear me. After two million tons of bombs were dropped on the place I call home I am still here.

Give A Hand

The sorrow and cold truth is, Laos is unheard. Most people do not even know a country named Laos exists, nor that it was a casualty of the Vietnam War. Nevertheless, people can give Laos a voice again, and give efforts to the cleanup of bombs. Whether it be donating, or word of mouth to spread awareness, the legacy of Laos will never vanish.

https://www.halotrust.org/get-involved/give/donate/