This vase is made from part of an American military aircraft which was shot down during the Vietnam War.

It was brought to Coventry in 1969 by Madame Binh, a member of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of South Vietnam.  She said she hoped that this vase created from a weapon of war would one day be used to hold the flowers of peace.

There was strong opposition to American involvement in the Vietnam War. The vase was accepted by Dr Madeleine Sharp who was very active in the anti-war movement in Coventry. Madeleine continues to be active in Vietnam through the charity Medical and Scientific Aid in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia which was set up in 1965.

You can see this vase and an interview with Dr Madeleine Sharp in the new Peace and Reconciliation gallery.