I am so jealous I won’t be able to celebrate at the reunion!!!

I would like, however, to invite any Saigon Kids near Berkeley, CA to come join me at a Legacies of War event on Saturday August 8 for delicious Lao food, great art, wonderful people, and of course, a good cause!

Please come if you can and bring your friends and family.

I hope to see you there,

Cynthia (ACS 1st to 3rd grade; & The Phoenix School, Saigon when you all left)

LEGACIES of WAR & Friends Invite You To eat, reflect, and act to save lives in Laos. CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE.

Event Details

During the Vietnam War-era, over 270 million bombs were dropped, an estimated 80 million remain, killing and maiming Lao villagers today. There are over 12,000 victims from accidents caused by unexploded bomblets. This year’s theme, “Eat, Reflect & Act to Save Lives” will spotlight the 40th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and include some of the country’s leading figures, who fought to end the war and the massive bombing campaigns in Southeast Asia. Proceeds from the event will support Legacies of War’s life-saving and awareness-raising projects on the bombs leftover in Laos 40 years after the Vietnam War-era.

This year’s event will be an opportunity for dialogue and reflection on the Vietnam War-era and remaining remnants of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos. Guests will also learn how the problem is being addressed, and ways in which people in the U.S. can help to clear Laos of bombs, support survivors of accidents, and help to create a safer future for the people of Laos.

The program will include DANIEL ELLSBERG of “The Pentagon Papers,” and MAI DER VANG, recently featured in the NYT for her OpEd, “Heirs of the ‘Secret War’ in Laos,” and KRYSADA BINLY PANUSITH PHOUNSIRI, author of “Dance Among Elephants” and internationally renowned break dancer. There will be a special tribute to the late Fred Branfman, author of “Voices from the Plain of Jars,” which was critical in exposing the extent of the U.S. bombing of Laos.

CHANNAPHA KHAMVONGSA, executive director, will talk about the devastating legacy of leftover bombs, recent developments to offer us some hope and ways in which you can help. We will also recognize DR. CYNTHIA NGUYEN and ELAINE RUSSELL for their past service on the Legacies of War board. Finally, delicious Lao food will be served!

Hosts: Daniel & Hilary Goldstine, Adam Thongsavat

Special Guests & Speakers: Daniel Ellsberg, Mai Der Vang, & Krysada Binly Panusith Phounsiri

Host Committee Members: Tony Chontong, Dave Claycomb & Joyce Phounsavath, Parina Daraphet, Daniel and Hilary Goldstine, Bryan Jung & Mariel Lim, Srida Moua, Chanthip Phongkhamsavath, Elaine Russell, Sandra Thongsavat, Donna Thongsavat, Barbara Thongsavat, Justin Sayarath, Bouapha Toommaly

Supporting Organizations: Center for Lao Studies, Sahtu Press . . . more to come . . .