Legacies of War’s advocacy began in 2004, when we discovered that U.S. funding for bomb clearance in Laos was shockingly low—just $1.4 million. With The Originals as a powerful catalyst, we mobilized diaspora communities, veterans, and allies across the country to raise awareness about the unexploded ordnance (UXO) crisis in Southeast Asia.

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Over the past two decades, we’ve built strong, trusted relationships with members of Congress, governments, and key stakeholders. As a result of our collective efforts, U.S. funding has steadily increased—reaching $36 million for Laos alone. In 2022, our advocacy expanded to include Cambodia and Vietnam, furthering our mission to support communities still suffering from the remnants of war.

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Legacies of War played an essential role in the creation of ​The Legacies of War Recognition and Unexploded Ordnance Act. If passed, this bill would authorize $100M in U.S. funding each year for five years to support activities relating to the clearance of landmines, unexploded ordnance, and other explosive remnants of war in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.​ This vital legislation would also recognize the contributions of Hmong, Cham, Cambodian, Iu-Mien, Khmu, Lao, Montagnard, and Vietnamese American communities who supported the United States Armed Forces. Thank you to Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) for your leadership on this issue.​​

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Today, our advocacy work is guided by four key goals:

 

Conduct Country and Congressional Visits: Each year, Legacies of War leads delegation trips to Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam to meet with local partners and witness the impact of U.S. funding firsthand. We collect stories from UXO survivors and frontline workers, using these powerful testimonies to educate Congress and the American public about the ongoing challenges and urgent needs on the ground.

 

Empower Future Leaders: Through our Advocacy Ambassadors program, internships, and the Titus and Linda Peachey Peace Fellowship, we train and inspire the next generation of changemakers. Participants gain hands-on experience and the tools to advocate in their communities—locally and globally—for a more peaceful, just future.

 

Grow The Bipartisan Congressional UXO/Demining Caucus: With the support of our growing network, we continue to expand the Bipartisan UXO/Demining Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. A stronger caucus means greater awareness and increased momentum for UXO clearance efforts in Southeast Asia and beyond.

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Shape Public Discourse Through Writing and Research

We believe that storytelling, scholarship, and public dialogue are powerful forms of advocacy. Through op-eds, opinion pieces, and original research, we elevate the voices of survivors, analyze policy, and connect the legacies of war to current global issues. These written works inform the public, influence decision-makers, and deepen understanding of the long-term human costs of conflict.

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