“My mother’s necklace is a one inch gold-toned rectangular pendant, etched in black with the words, ‘War is not healthy for children and other living things.’ The message was printed because some Americans were concerned about the impact of (the) war in Vietnam on the current and future generations of children, including those young men sacrificing their lives for their country. The necklace came from my mother who purchased it in 1968. The necklace was a way for my mother to speak up about what she believed in. The necklace represents our families commitment to finding ways to live in peace with others. The lesson for me was that whatever I believed in or was important to me, I should be willing to stand up for it and use my voice to speak up about it. My mother hoped I would follow in her footsteps. I still wear the necklace. I believe the message is still relevant all the time and an important reminder to consider the consequences of the decisions we make as a country and as humans.”

– Sasha Lewis

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more