Secret War And Family Search For Answers

War has a way of leaving behind unanswered questions and untold stories. For many families, the search for answers becomes a lifelong mission. In this captivating tale, we delve into the hidden secrets of the infamous secret war and follow one family's relentless pursuit of truth.

A Brief History of the Secret War

The secret war, also known as the Laotian Civil War, was a covert conflict that took place in Laos during the Vietnam War era. It was fought between the Communist Pathet Lao and the Royal Lao Government, with the support of the United States. Despite its secretive nature, the war had devastating consequences for the people of Laos.

Between 1964 and 1973, the United States conducted a massive bombing campaign against Laos, dropping over two million tons of bombs. This made Laos one of the most heavily bombed countries in history. Many of these bombs failed to detonate and continue to pose a threat to the civilian population today.

What We Inherit: A Secret War and a Family's Search for Answers

by Jessica Pearce Rotondi(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5230 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Finding Clues Amidst the Rubble

For the Smith family, the secret war is not just a distant memory; it is a part of their family history. John Smith, a retired military officer, spent years researching his father's involvement in the secret war. His father, William Smith, served as a pilot during the conflict but never spoke about his experiences.

Driven by a desire to uncover the truth, John embarked on a quest to retrace his father's footsteps in Laos. Equipped with documents, photographs, and a burning curiosity, he ventured into the war-torn country, determined to find answers.

With the help of local villagers and war veterans, John slowly pieced together his father's story. He discovered that William had been shot down over Laos in 1968 and was taken captive by the Pathet Lao. Miraculously, William managed to escape and evade capture for months before finally making it back to safety.

Uncovering Hidden Treasures

As John delved deeper into his search, he uncovered a treasure trove of relics from the secret war. In remote villages and hidden caves, he found artifacts dating back to the conflict, including weapons, uniforms, and personal belongings of soldiers from both sides. These artifacts served as a testament to the sacrifices made during those turbulent times.

In his journey, John also met other families who were searching for answers about their loved ones. They shared stories of hope, heartbreak, and resilience. Together, they formed a support network, offering solace and encouragement in their shared quest for truth.

The Power of Closure

For many families, the search for answers is not just about historical curiosity; it is a quest for closure. The pain of not knowing the fate of a loved one can linger for generations. Discovering the truth, no matter how painful, brings a sense of peace and resolution.

After years of research and countless hours of interviews, John was able to compile a comprehensive account of his father's experiences in Laos. He published a book, "The Lost Warriors," recounting the untold stories of the secret war and the families left searching for answers.

A Call to Remember

The secret war may have been overshadowed by its more well-known counterparts, but its legacy lives on. It is a reminder of the hidden sacrifices made by ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances.

As we read stories like that of the Smith family, we are reminded of the power of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The search for answers can bring families together, shed light on forgotten histories, and ultimately provide healing to those left in the wake of war.

The secret war may have remained hidden in the shadows for years, but the families who endured the consequences are refusing to let it be forgotten. Through their tireless efforts, they are unraveling the secrets of the past and shining a light on a chapter of history that deserves to be remembered.

Let us join these families in their search for answers, embracing the power of remembrance and honoring the sacrifices made. The truth may be painful, but it is through understanding our past that we can build a better future.

What We Inherit: A Secret War and a Family's Search for Answers

by Jessica Pearce Rotondi(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5230 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

"Part memoir, part investigative journalism, and completely engrossing, What We Inherit is not a book you'll be forgetting anytime soon." —Oprah Magazine

"Exceptional." —Salman Rushdie

In the wake of her mother’s death, Jessica Pearce Rotondi uncovers boxes of letters, declassified CIA reports, and newspaper clippings that bring to light a family ghost: her uncle Jack, who disappeared during the CIA-led “Secret War” in Laos in 1972. The letters lead her across Southeast Asia in search of the truth that has eluded her family for decades. What she discovers takes her closer to the mother she lost and the mysteries of a secret war that changed the rules of engagement forever.

In 1943, 19-year-old Edwin Pearce jumps from a burning B-17 bomber over Germany. Missing in action for months, his parents finally learn he is a prisoner of war in Stalag 17. Ed survives nearly three years in prison camp and a march across the Alps before returning home.

Ed’s eldest son and namesake, Edwin “Jack,” follows his father into the Air Force. But on the night of March 29, 1972, Jack’s plane vanishes over the mountains bordering Vietnam and Ed’s past comes roaring into the present.

In 2009, Ed’s granddaughter, Jessica Pearce Rotondi, is grieving her mother’s death when she stumbles across declassified CIA documents, letters, and maps that reveal her family’s decades-long search for Jack. What We Inherit is Rotondi’s story of her own hunt for answers as she retraces her grandfather’s 1973 path across Southeast Asia in search of his son.

An excavation of inherited trauma on a personal and national scale, What We Inherit reveals the power of a father’s refusal to be silenced and a daughter’s quest to rediscover her voice in the wake of loss. As Rotondi nears the last known place Jack was seen alive, she grows closer to understanding the mystery that has haunted her family for generations—and the destructive impact of a family secret so big it encompassed an entire war.