Memorial Areas

Overview

The Memorial Areas within the COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane, Laos, serve as a poignant and vital educational space. The Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rehabilitation services, including prosthetic limbs and mobility aids, to people with disabilities, many of whom are survivors of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from past conflicts. The Visitor Centre, established in 2008, offers a profound insight into the enduring impact of the 'Secret War' in Laos and the organization's humanitarian efforts to help victims 'move on'. It is widely recognized as one of the most important places to visit in Vientiane for those seeking a deeper understanding of modern Lao history and resilience.

History & Cultural Background

Laos holds the tragic distinction of being the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. Between 1964 and 1973, during the American War in Vietnam, the U.S. dropped over two million tons of ordnance on Laos in an effort to disrupt the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Of the hundreds of millions of sub-munitions deployed, an estimated 30% to 40% failed to explode, leaving a deadly legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) scattered across the country. These hidden dangers continue to cause injuries and deaths decades later, particularly affecting rural farming communities and children. To address this humanitarian crisis, the Lao Ministry of Health and a group of non-governmental organizations formed COPE in 1996, with the Visitor Centre opening in 2008 to raise awareness and support for the survivors.

What Makes It Special

The Memorial Areas at COPE are special due to their comprehensive and sensitive portrayal of a critical, often overlooked, aspect of Laotian history and its ongoing consequences. The center features interactive multimedia exhibits, powerful video testimonies from survivors, and displays of actual UXO remnants. Visitors can learn about how these devices continue to affect daily life and the intricate process of creating and fitting prosthetic limbs. Beyond the historical context, the center powerfully showcases the strength and determination of those affected, highlighting the extensive rehabilitation services provided by COPE and its partners. The exhibits emphasize the importance of both physical and psychological support for victims, making it a unique institution that combines education with a tangible humanitarian mission.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• Symbolic Entrance: The 'COPE' sign at the entrance is notably crafted from used prosthetic feet, and a sculpture of a dangling UXO immediately conveys the center's theme.
• Art from Conflict: Outside the building, a statue of a mother and child is creatively fashioned from discarded bomb materials, symbolizing resilience and hope amidst destruction.
• Everyday Ingenuity: Inside, a replica of a rural Laotian stilt house displays daily household items ingeniously made from military equipment and even bomb casings, illustrating how locals adapt to their environment, sometimes unknowingly using dangerous remnants.
• The Cave Cinema: The Visitor Centre features a 'Cave Cinema' designed to resemble the underground bunkers used by the Pathet Lao during the war, where short documentaries about UXO and COPE's work are screened.
• 'Helping You Move On': COPE's motto, 'Helping you move on', encapsulates its mission to restore mobility and dignity to individuals impacted by UXO.
• Community Support: All proceeds from the Karma Cafe and gift shop within the center directly fund COPE's rehabilitation programs, offering visitors a direct way to contribute to this vital cause.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Memorial Areas at the COPE Visitor Centre is often described as a profoundly moving and educational experience. It offers a clear, direct, and non-accusatory look at the long-term human cost of conflict and the remarkable efforts to mitigate its effects. Many visitors, especially those from countries involved in the conflict, find it incredibly informative and sometimes jarring, providing an essential perspective on Laos's recent history. The center effectively puts faces and personal stories to the statistics, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Lao people. It is a humbling visit that underscores the importance of humanitarian work and leaves a lasting impression on travelers, often becoming one of the most memorable moments of their trip to Vientiane.