Wow, talk about an oxymoron. Peace – Bomb. They don’t quite go together. But, in a great example of making lemonade when life gives you lemons, there is an organization in Laos that is doing just that. They are making bracelets of the scrap metal of unexploded bombs left over from the incredibly intense and atrocious (and probably illegal) U.S. bombing of the country during the Vietnam War. The peaceBOMB project is selling the bracelets, which are made by local artisans in Laos.
Here’s a description from the website:
All sorts of amazing products give back, but the peaceBOMB bracelet is in a category of its own. Crafted by local artisans in Laos—the world’s most-bombarded country—these beautiful bracelets are made out of bomb materials and scrap metal from America’s secret war in Laos, which was waged alongside the conflict in Vietnam. A product of the peaceBOMB Project, each purchase supports the artisan families in Naphia Village where the bracelets are made. Your purchase also includes a donation to the locally run Village Development Fund, which provides loans to poor families.
Be sure to watch the video.
When I go back to Laos this summer, I’m going to see if I can buy a bracelet there. If not, I’ll order one. It would make a great gift (hint, hint). Please try to support this worthy project.