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.
When I visited Laos several years ago, I saw fields marked with signs warning villagers that there were unexploded bombs there.
On the Plain of Jars, unexploded bombs lay scattered among ancient mysterious massive jars. This archaeological site is in one of the most heavily bombed areas of Laos.
But the people of Laos are resilient. They began melting the bomb’s remnants and converting them into something useful, starting with utensils. The effort not only generated income for the villagers, but it also helped clean their fields.
With the help of the organization, ARTICLE 22, the Lao artisans began creating stunning handcrafted jewelry out of bombs. During Mine Awareness Day, April 4, FCNL collaborated with ARTICLE 22 to produce two limited edition bracelets.
“Sharing common values and common goals, we are thrilled to collaborate with FCNL which has spent decades advocating for peace and ending wars,” said Elizabeth Suda, founder of ARTICLE 22.
The bracelets carry FCNL’s iconic slogans—War is not the Answer and Love Thy Neighbor, No Exceptions.
Each of the bracelets sold helps clear bombed areas, making them safer for future generations while also providing sustainable income for local Lao artisans.
This is especially crucial because many mine clearance and risk education programs in Laos were funded by U.S. foreign assistance. These programs are under threat with the Trump administration dismantling foreign aid.
By partnering with ARTICLE 22, FCNL is also extending our advocacy, beyond policy and into direct actions supporting artisans who turn the scars of war into a source of hope and prosperity.
Ensuring that local Lao artisans are paid fairly, FCNL and ARTICLE 22 help break cycles of poverty while fostering long-term economic resilience.
This partnership is a reminder that peace is not just an ideal. It is a movement that requires active participation from individuals, organizations, and communities.
Every effort to help Lao artisans to turn bombs into bracelets helps create a future where remnants of past wars will no longer kill villagers today.
Bracelet made by Lao artisans can be purchased at fcnl.org/bracelets.
