Legacies of War 10th Anniversary Celebration Booklet

Celebrating LEGACIES OF WAR’S

10 ANNIVERSARY TH

AT THE “MEKONG NIGHT MARKET”

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Sponsors TEAM LEADERS

Phil Crean and Cora Edmonds Odyssey Enterprises, Inc. TECHNICIANS

Michael J. Hirschhorn and Jimena P. Martinez Julia Brennan

COMMUNITY LIAISONS

Angel Braestrup and Mark Spalding

Ajahn David Chutiko

DONORS Dimple Abichandani Noonie Aguilar Bangkok Golden Barrel

David Claycomb and Joyce Phounsavath Doi Moi

Harrison McAlpine, Jr. Donald Patierno

Pamela Ebsworth

PAX

Leonard Hill and Catharine Stevulak

Elaine Russell

Susan Bralove

Benedict Kohler

John Brennan

Lisa and Ross Macfarlane

Steve and Molly Cashin

Frances Ann Mazzanti

Thip Khao Joyce D. Wilson

Sabaidee!

We are so happy to welcome you to our 10th anniversary celebration.

Over the past decade, Legacies of War has accomplished more than any of us could have imagined back in 2004. As a direct result of our education and advocacy, U.S. government funding for bomb clearance and victim assistance in Laos reached a record $12 million this year—the highest level ever, marking a six-fold increase since we started our work.

Even more important, we have helped to transform the conversation about the lingering effects of the war, from a contentious issue fraught with pessimism to a force for renewed hope and cooperation among governments, NGOs and other stakeholders. What once seemed impossible—clearing Laos of the scourge of unexploded ordnance—is now within reach.

We never could have done all of this without our incredible network of supporters: community volunteers, institutional partners, individual donors.

Each has been essential to our efforts, and we are so grateful for your support.

Of course, there is much more to be done—after all, less than one percent of the cluster bombs have been removed. So once we finish celebrating tonight, we hope you will join us as we redouble our efforts to finish this job, and to achieve our vision for the future. Because a clear Laos means a safe Laos—for all of its people.

Thank you, and kop chai lai lai!

Brett Dakin Chair

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Honorary Host Committee

U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (VT)

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)

U.S. Representative Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoa)

U.S. Representative Mike Honda (CA-17)

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U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (MA-2)

U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-3)

U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (CA-6)

U.S. Representative Dana Rohrabacher (CA-48)

U.S. Representative Judy Chu (CA-27)

U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (MN-4)

Program 6:00 pm

Guest Check-In Cocktails and Light Hors D’oeuvres

6:30 pm

Welcome Dance Lao Heritage Foundation

Welcome and Acknowledgements Elise Labott, CNN Foreign Affairs Reporter Brett Dakin, Chair, Board of Directors

“A Decade of Inspiring Hope, Saving Lives” Video Presentation

Presentation of Awards to Honorees Titus Peachey, Treasurer, Board of Directors Members of the Legacies of War Board of Directors

Naga Award, Congressional Advocacy Senator Patrick Leahy Representative Mike Honda Representative Betty McCollum Representative Eni Faleomavaega

Erawan Elephant Award, Donor Support: Phil Crean and Cora Edmonds

Dok Chan Award, Victim Assistance: Thoummy Silamphan

Rajaiha Award, Excellence in Clearance: Manixia Thor

Lotus Award, Creative Contribution: Bangbay Siboliban

Tree of Life Award, Community Partner: Minnesota Friends of Legacies of War, Chanida P. Potter and Malisamai Vue

Vision 20|20: Clear Laos|Safe Laos Remarks by Channapha Khamvongsa, Executive Director

7:20 pm

Food and Night Market Opens

8:20 pm

Cultural Program Lao Heritage Foundation Dance and Orchestra Lam Vong Dance

9:00 pm

Closing

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Legacies Between Us

Promises are made between souls.

Everyone begins as strangers, but not all stay so, Awakening in a cosmos of threads and memories, Communities with histories like treasures to unearth.

Edges of Laos, American corners, a street in DC, Flow of Mekong, Mississippi or Potomac, a thousand possibilities Unfurl with hope as our wars end and true rebuilding begins.

Listening to the advocates of victims, who can stay silent still?

Looking at our deminers in their steady labors, so much difference Every day makes, every decade, every dream.

Growing in friendship, whether with a “Sabaidee” or “Hello,” A future begins like a little seed on the prairie or a sincere smile.

Clear a field, you might feed a nation, you might teach a world.

Yesterday is another country, and today is a present Leading to every tomorrow worth having.

Bryan Thao Worra 10

NEA FELLOW IN LITERATURE, 2012 CULTURAL OLYMPIAN

Secretary of State Clinton meets with Phongsavath Souliyalat, an UXO survivor, to learn more about the UXO issue during her visit to Laos. (Photo Credit: AP)

Honorees

U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy

Naga Award

Senator Patrick Leahy was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1974 from Vermont and is currently President Pro Tempore of the Senate. As a top-ranking government official, Senator Leahy has proved to be a critical supporter of Legacies of War. He is active in human rights issues, including the legacy of Agent Orange in Vietnam, and is the leading U.S. officeholder in the international campaign against the creation and use of anti-personnel landmines. His unwavering support of U.S. demining efforts and the creation of the Leahy War Victims Fund has been instrumental in helping to clear land, save lives, and support survivors all over the world, including Laos. Because of the work of people like Senator Leahy, the U.S. has provided a significant increase in aid funds for Laos. Senator Leahy has also co-introduced the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act, which would prevent future cluster bomb atrocities from occurring.

U.S. Representative Mike Honda

Naga Award

U.S. Representative Mike Honda has served in the House of Representatives for over twelve years and has been a dedicated supporter and advocate of Legacies of War. As part of a 2010 bipartisan congressional delegation to visit Laos and discuss foreign policy issues, Rep. Honda returned from his trip committed to assisting the country in its bomb-removal efforts. Later that year, Rep. Honda participated in the first-ever hearing held by Congress on the legacy of UXO in Laos before a Foreign Affairs congressional committee, which concluded with a renewed commitment to bring about increased U.S. funding and greater awareness. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Honda has helped secure a historic increase in State Department funds for UXO clearance efforts in Laos, with $3M in 2008 to $12M secured for 2014.

His continuous commitment and support for Legacies’ mission has helped make a new legacy of peace in Laos achievable.

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Honorees

(continued)

U.S. Representative Betty McCollum

Naga Award

U.S. Representative Betty McCollum has been representing communities in Minnesota since 2000, and since the start of Legacies, she has been a long-time supporter and friend. In 2005, Rep. McCollum secured $2.5M for the clearance of unexploded U.S. bombs in Laos. That same year, she also led the passage of historic legislation in Congress to normalize trade relations with Laos, ending 30 years of economic isolation and opening the door to a new era of bilateral relations between the U.S. and Laos. In 2006, Rep. McCollum became one of only a handful of Congressional members to visit Laos. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, she has proven to be instrumental in supporting an increase in U.S. aid funds to Laos for the clearance of UXO. At Legacies’ June 2012 reception, Rep. McCollum was part of the Honorary Committee and reaffirmed her dedication to the allocation of U.S. funds for UXO removal programs. In April 2013, she urged her colleagues to support Legacies of War in a speech that honored our organization.

U.S. Representative Eni Faleomavaega

Naga Award

U.S. Representative Eni Faleomavaega has represented the territory of American Samoa since 1989 and currently serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rep. Faleomavaega visited Laos in 2010 with Rep. Honda, as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation to address several foreign policy issues and experienced first-hand the contemporary legacy of unexploded ordnance in the country. After the visit, Rep. Faleomavaega, as then-chair of the House Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, made the opening statement for the first U.S. Congressional hearing on the Laos UXO issue and helped push for increased U.S. funding to further the complete clearance of unexploded bombs. Since then, Rep. Faleomavaega has been a part of the Honorary Committee for Legacies’ June 2012 Reception and has given tremendous support to Legacies of War and our mission.

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Honorees

(continued)

Phil Crean and Cora Edmonds

Erawan Elephant Award

Since the founding of Legacies of War, Phil and Cora have generously provided steadfast support to the organization. In 2006, Cora opened her new Seattle gallery, ArtXchange, with the National Premiere of the Legacies of War Preview Exhibition, featuring artwork completed by survivors of the bombings in Laos.

Through the years, Cora and Phil’s extraordinary dedication to Legacies’ has been critical to its sustainability and success. Their annual contribution has helped to sustain staffing and core programs, enabling Legacies to attract additional funding for its innovative education and advocacy activities.

In addition to Legacies, Phil and Cora also support numerous local and international groups, including the Seattle Insight Meditation Society, and in 2010, they founded Namaste Children’s Fund (NCF), dedicated to supporting the education of women and children in rural and underserved areas of Nepal.

Phil grew up in New Zealand and Cora was born and raised in Hong Kong. They reside in Seattle, where their five beautiful children keep them on their toes.

Thoummy Silamphan

Dok Chan Award

Thoummy Silamphan is an influential advocate who has spoken all over the world about the detriments of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos. Thoummy experienced the affects firsthand in his home village in the Xieng Khouang Province of Laos when he was eight years old. He accidentally struck an unexploded bomb while digging for bamboo shoots and lost his left hand.

Despite the pain and hardship following this life-changing event, Thoummy Silamphan rose to become a powerful voice for the clearance of UXO and banning cluster bombs. Thoummy attended Vongcharen Development College and went on to serve as a field assistant for World Education, aiding UXO survivors. In 2010, he joined Ban Advocates, a project of Handicap International, which organizes individuals affected by cluster bombs to work towards banning their usage. Thoummy came to the United States for the first time as a featured speaker in Legacies of War’s Voices from Laos Tour in 2013, and traveled to major cities in the U.S. He now heads the Quality of Life Association in his home province, the first Lao-organized association to serve UXO victims in Laos.

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Honorees

(continued)

Manixia Thor

Rajaiha Award Manixia Thor is a young mother from the Xieng Khouang region in Laos whose fierce compassion and courage crosses borders. Her uncle lost his hand in a UXO explosion, and because of this, she has been determined to prevent her uncle’s experience from becoming a reality for others in the future. Now, Manixia is a demining technician who works for the Mines Advisory Group, serving as the Deputy Team Leader of an all-female UXO team. She and her team members are clearance champions, working alongside their male counterparts and helping to clear the way for women in the demining sector. Their work is dangerous and life-threatening, but Manixia has bravely chosen to continue because she knows that her efforts create a better future for her community. Her leadership skills and role in clearing UXO led her to visit the United States for the first time as a featured speaker in the Voices from Laos Tour in 2013.

Tonight ’s Awards

The Naga is a mythical water serpent that is used in ancient Lao silk weaving and appears in Lao mythology. It is the guardian of human life in a society that depends on water to cultivate rice, a staple food. The Naga is also believed to encourage moral behavior of humans, pushing society in the right direction.

The Erawan Elephant stands as a symbol of life, hope, and strength. According to legend, the Erawan elephant brings rain clouds and lightening and is known for its life-giving benevolence.

In ancient Southeast Asian culture, Dok Chan, or sandalwood, was distinguished by its medicinal properties to heal and soothe. For this reason, Dok Chan has become a symbol of vitality, harmony, and protection for the vulnerable.

Rajaiha is a mythical figure whose form has elements of the lion, dragon, and bird. To some, the Rajaiha is the king of all animals, thought to offer protection against natural catastrophes and accidents.

The Lotus is a Lao weaving motif used to symbolize faithfulness, as the lotus is known to bloom beautifully and rise above the muddy waters. Not only is it an aesthetic pleasure, but the lotus is also related to the heart and associated with love and compassion.

The Tree of Life, symbolized by palm leaves, represents an element that connects heaven and earth. This tree provides a network that gives life from its many far-reaching branches down to its deep roots.

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Honorees

(continued)

Bangbay Siboliban

Lotus Award

As a talented web developer based in Los Angeles, Bangbay Siboliban has proved to be a valuable creative asset to Legacies of War. She first heard of Legacies through family members and friends, and being personally connected to its mission, generously offered her services and has been Legacies’ web architect since 2004. Her mother’s family is from Sam Neua, which is north of Xieng Khouang and one of the areas that was most heavily bombed during the Secret War. As the youngest of four and born in Vientiane, Bangbay and her family fled Laos to the Nong Khai refugee camp when she was only three months old. They came to the US one year later, and today, Bangbay helps to remove this legacy of war from her home country with her contributions to Legacies.

Minnesota Friends of Legacies

Tree of Life Award

The Minneapolis/St. Paul area is home to over 70,000 members of the Lao diaspora and represents one of the largest socially and politically engaged communities of Lao and Hmong in the U.S. In 2010, Minneapolis hosted the Legacies of War’s National Traveling Exhibition in partnership with Intermedia Arts, TeAda’s Refugee Nation and Lao Assistance Center of MN, followed by a joint program with MAG America in 2011 at the MN Literary Loft. Last year, the MN community hosted the Voices from Laos Speakers Tour at the University of MN and in Brooklyn Park with support from the UMTC, Immigration History Research Center, University of Minnesota Hmong Student Association, University of Minnesota Lao Student Association, Program in Human Rights & Health, Human Rights Program, Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together, and Lao Assistance Center of MN. In addition to support from individuals and community organizations, the MN Congressional delegation, including Senators Al Franken and Klobuchar and Representatives Betty McCollum and Keith Ellison, has been a key supporter of the increase of U.S. funding for Laos to clear UXO and support victims.

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Legacies

10 Years, 10 Moments

Thank YOU for helping us to create some pretty awesome memories!

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Sabaidee, Nyob zoo and Hello 2004! Legacies of War was founded in NYC!

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Educating through Arts and Culture: ArtXchange & the Seattle community hosted the Preview of the National Traveling Exhibition, then onto Cambridge, Tempe, San Diego, Lowell, Atlanta, Twin Cities and many, many more! (2006+) #

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Listening & Learning: Our watershed trip to Laos, we gained knowledge about the UXO sector and formed many friendships and partnerships in Laos. (2008)

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Collaborating with artists, communities and former US ambassadors to Laos to raise awareness, heal the wounds of war and renew hope for a brighter future. #

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Hosting the FIRST U.S.-based convening on UXO in Laos in Washington, DC, renewing optimism and cooperation. (2009)

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Testifying in the FIRST U.S. House Congressional hearing on UXO in Laos, with Rep. Faleomavaega and Rep. Honda opening the hearing with strong endorsements of Legacies’ goals to increase U.S. funding for UXO clearance and victims assistance. (2010)

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Securing Secretary Clinton’s visit to Laos, the FIRST U.S. Secretary of State to visit in 57 years, bringing worldwide attention to the situation of UXO contamination, clearance, and survivor assistance.

She pledged that the U.S. must do more to address the legacy of UXO in Laos. (2012) #

Successfully advocating for a significant increase # in U.S. funding for UXO clearance and victim assistance in Laos, from $3M in 2008 to $12M in 2014.

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TONIGHT. Reuniting with # old friends and meeting new ones. Thank you for being part of our journey and helping to make Laos safer for generations to come.

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Launching a nationwide # tour featuring two speakers from Laos. “Voices from Laos: Clearing Bombs, Protecting Lives,” raised awareness across the country, garnering national and international media attention and surpassing our attendee goals in each location. (2013)

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Keeping It Fresh

Donate at www.legaciesofwar.org

Contribute to the

Next Generation Fund

Your Support Would Help Fund Paid Internships and Fellowships

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Support New Leadership on the UXO issue

Board of Directors

Channapha Khamvongsa, Executive Director Washington, DC

Brett Dakin, Chair New York, NY

Julia M. Brennan Washington, DC

Titus Peachey, Treasurer Lancaster, PA

Michael Caudell-Feagan Washington, DC

Ken Rutherford Harrisonburg, VA

Emeritus Board Members: Helly Lee and Elaine Russell

Cynthia Nguyen, MD, Secretary Palo Alto, CA

David Claycomb San Diego, CA

Kane Vongsavanh Silver Spring, MD

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Emcee

Elise Labott

CNN Foreign Affairs Reporter

As an award-winning foreign affairs reporter for CNN, Elise Labott has reported from more than 75 countries and has interviewed and traveled the world with five different Secretaries of State. Labott joined CNN in 2000 and has since covered U.S. foreign policy and reported on major global events, including the September 11 attacks and the Arab Spring.

Prior to joining CNN, Labott covered the United Nations for ABC News and also reported on diplomatic and foreign policy issues for Agence France Presse and other publications. In 2011, Labott covered the UXO issue in Laos and has helped increase national and global awareness.

Village Cooks

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Keosadeth “Tata Keo” Chounlamountry

Various preparations

Phouangphaka Khamvongsa

Special Village Coordinator

Khampahn “Tata Phanh” Na Champassak

Tapioca Pork Balls & Sweet Coconut Milk Desssert

Manichanh “Pin Pong” Phongsavanh

Coconut Lao Custard Dessert

Na Sengchan

Coconut Rice Steamed in Banana Leaf

Thipoudone “Mae Soi” Sikhammountry

Spicy Lao Pork Sausage with Herbs

Chefs Chef Seng Luangrath – Featured As owner of Bangkok Golden (Falls Church, VA) and soon-to-open Thip Khao, DC’s first Laotian restaurant, Chef Seng’s greatest passion has always been cooking and sharing Lao food. The oldest daughter in her family, she learned to cook in Laos from her grandmother when she was seven years old. She continued to cook for her family at a Thailand refugee camp during the Vietnam War-era and as they resettled in the San Francisco Bay area in 1983. Chef Seng reconnected with cooking in 2009, discovering it as her true passion. Chef Seng’s restaurant, Bangkok Golden, has received rave reviews from publications such as The Washington Post and DC Dining, as she continues to share food with the community. By the end of this year, she will be opening Washington DC’s very first Laotian restaurant called Thip Khao. For more information on Chef Seng, visit www.chefseng.com.

Chef Deth Khaia Born in Laos and raised in California, Chef Deth has a wide variety of experiences under his belt that contribute to his diverse and flavorful cuisine. Chef Deth grew up surrounded by talented family cooks, and in 2005, he left California and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. In an effort to reconnect with his cultural heritage, Chef Deth kayaked the Mekong River through Southeast Asia in 2006, immersing himself in the food and culture there. His diverse experiences include doubling as Pastry Chef and Special Events Chef at Mediterra, a country club in Florida, to freelancing as a chef on private yachts in the Caribbean. Currently, he works as Doi Moi’s Chef de Cuisine, creating authentic dishes to represent Southeast Asian cuisine. For more information on Chef Deth, visit http://doimoidc.com/the-team/.

Chef Garret Fleming Chef Garret was born in Charleston, South Carolina. As a child, he traveled abroad with his family and was introduced to a wide variety of cuisines at an early age. After graduating from Knox College with a degree in Philosophy and French, Chef Garret traveled to western Europe to study history and cuisine, and upon his return, decided to pursue culinary arts. Before graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, he cooked in some of Charleston’s finest kitchens, including award-winning Peninsula Grill and Mercato. After graduating, Chef Garret found success in coastal Maine, heading the boutique brasserie Stella’s. He then relocated to Washington DC and opened The Pig, an award-winning restaurant, in April 2012 as Chef de Cuisine. Chef Garret is currently the consulting executive chef at Barrel and looking forward to opening his own gastropub, Gristle. For more information on Chef Garret, visit http://dc.eater.com/tags/garret-fleming.

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Committee Members Event Coordinator

Tony Innouvong

Auction

Cynthia Nguyen, Kane Vongsavanh, Lana Lunskaya

Food Market

Pon Khamvongsa, Tiffany Bailey

Marketing

Jada Bullen, Mim Lu, Tipanun Bisalbutr

Program

Julia Brennan, Alvina Yeh, Karis Yi

Sponsorship

Marice Fernando, Karis Yi

Vendor

Julia Brennan

Venue

Julia Brennan, Jada Bullen

Video

Alex Hiniker, Aleena Inthaly, Jada Bullen

Volunteers

Karis Yi

Special Thanks

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202design Article 22 Ronia Auelua Swathi Bala Asha Belsan Tim Belsan Adri Berger Cool Jerk Keo Chea Global Teas Laura Headrick Mike Heffner Ajahn Chy Her Judith Hiniker Penn Phiengphenh Hongthong Xaisongkham Induangchanthy Vonekeo Inthasoroth Denise James Hero Keophanboua Phouang Khamvongsa Phil Kline Chantala Kommanivanh

Vesela Kostadinova Gabriel Kuperman Lao New Wave Cinema Melerelini Loane Dennis Luangraj Seng Luangrath Lora Lumpe Shanga Manning Linda McIntosh Pooja Mehta Skip Muller Ock Pop Tock Open Society Foundations Virginia Pasley Jaden Pathammavong Jet Pathammavong Nami Pathammavong Norasack Pathammavong Sirisay Pathammavong Aaron Phommachanh Hack Phommachanh Horm Phommachanh

Ryan Phommachanh Oudomphone Breeda Phoummany Samuel Rubin Nor Sanavongsay Cory Sheldon Sanj Sivapiragasam Xai Souphom Devon Thai Mary Than Nina Thirakul Elizabeth Tolzman Lana Vahab Bee Vang Connie Vengthisane Layla Vengthisane Boon Vong Linlei Vongkaysone Malisamai Vue Paul Wager World Education

75

YEARS

1939 2014

NPA IS PROUD TO SUPPORT LEGACIES OF WAR In 2013, NPA released a total of 13 835 465 m² of land to be safely used by communities all over the globe and destroyed almost 100 000 explosive objects www.npaid.org

DONATE ONLINE:

http://legaciesofwar.org/ take-action/donate/ Learn more about the numerous opportunities to give by visiting our website: www.legaciesofwar.org.



Congratulations on a decade of achievement!



Charles B. Salmon, Jr. Ambassador/Charge in Laos 1989-1993

n Sa-bai-dee

and best to all in this essential work.

Since 2006, The Jungle Vine Foundation has worked with our partners, the indigenous Khmu tribe in northern Laos, to reduce poverty, preserve an ancient craft and share Earth’s Greenest Bag, globally.

Discover our story and see our products at NatureBag.org. Or buy from an elite shop on our rapidly growing list of retail associates.

—Sally Benson and Steve Nichols

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Congratulations to the staff and board of Legacies of War for ten amazing years, and especially to our friend Channapha! Thank you for all of the incredible work you do, we’re so proud of you.

— Love, Alicia, Cynthia, Ingrid, Mario, Meg, Naomi & Puja

WAYS TO GIVE z As a nonprofit project, Legacies of War offers numerous opportunities to contribute and relies on grants and gifts for our funding.

To make a donation to Legacies of War: MAIL CHECK TO: Legacies of War 1312 9th Street NW Washington, DC 20001 info@legaciesofwar.org DONATE ONLINE: http://legaciesofwar.org/take-action/donate/ Learn more about the numerous opportunities to give by visiting our website: www.legaciesofwar.org.

Legacies of War is a fiscal project of Public Interest Projects, a nonprofit under section 501(c)3 of the U.S. IRS Code.

1 3 1 2 9 T H S T. N W WA S H I N GTO N , D C 2 0 0 0 1 W W W. L E G A C I E S O F WA R . O R G I N F O @ L E G A C I E S O F WA R . O R G 202-841-7841 FRONT COVER COLLAGE: S T U A R T W E S T M O R L A N D, B O O N V O N G, CHANNAPHA KHAMVONGSA, PHIL BORGES B A C K C O V E R : K H O M P H OTO G R A P H Y

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