Sage with civilian leaders from Houei Kong in Pakxe in Sedone Province

Photographer

Bowman, James

Date

• June 22, 1971

Summary

• Bill Sage with village leaders who fled to Pakxe in Sedone Province after the North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao Armies overran the Boloven Plateau in April 1971. The Nyaheun and Laven refugees had a wrist string-tying ceremony (known as a "baci" in the Lao language) for him since he was leaving for a new assignment in Ban Houei Sai in northwest Laos. From left to right: Sub-District Chief Mr. Vong (a Nyaheun), Sage, District Chief Mr. Tong (a Nyaheun), and Sub-District Chief Mr. Dok. The tying of strings on wrists brings good luck and good wishes from those who tie them to a recipient.