Galen Beery Legacy Exhibit

War in Daily Life

Galen’s experience in Laos highlights the perpetual movement of the Hmong people, who were constantly seeking safer territories to evade conflict. This nomadic existence was not only a physical journey but also a psychological one, as families were perpetually uprooted, creating a life marked by instability and unpredictability. The refugees, while physically moving, were also navigating the emotional and mental landscapes of loss, fear, and hope (G. Beery, personal communication, January 8, 2015).

The Hmong, often found themselves in dual roles - as soldiers on the frontline and as refugees fleeing from it. This duality was not unique to the Hmong. Individuals were both protectors and protected, demonstrating the blurred lines between combatant and civilian in the context of war(G. Beery, personal communication, January 8, 2015).

The distribution of rice and other essentials underscore the critical role of sustenance amidst scarcity. Refugees were dependent on external aid, yet they also demonstrated remarkable self-sufficiency once they were able to establish themselves in new locales (G. Beery, personal communication, January 8, 2015).

The war infiltrated every aspect of daily life, from basic needs to medical care. Opium was being used for various purposes, from trade to self-medication. The war also introduced more western medicine and education, air travel, fashion, music, underscoring how the war altered social norms. The war dictated daily routines, social structures, and even moral and ethical decisions, illustrating how conflict can redefine societal norms and individual behaviors (G. Beery, personal communication, January 8, 2015).

The emotional and psychological toll of the war was immeasurable. Amidst the physical struggles, the emotional and psychological battles were silently being fought every day by every individual affected by the war (G. Beery, personal communication, January 8, 2015).

The everyday life of refugees in the warzone is revealed to be a complex kaleidoscope of physical, emotional, and psychological journeys. The constant movement, the dual roles assumed by individuals, the struggle for sustenance, the pervasive impact of war on all aspects of life, and the silent battles fought within the minds and hearts of the refugees, all converge to form a poignant narrative of life in a warzone (G. Beery, personal communication, January 8, 2015).