VIVA P.O.W. – M.I.A. Bracelet 1970 – Lt. Col. J. Howard Dunn, Lost 12-7-68 – Sealed in Original Package

A sobering piece of Vietnam War home-front history. Beginning in 1970, VIVA (Voices In Vital America), a Los Angeles student organization, distributed these bracelets so Americans would not forget the servicemen who were prisoners of war or missing in action in Southeast Asia. Each bracelet is inscribed with one man's name, rank, and the date he was lost, and was worn with the vow that it not be removed until his family knew his fate. This example honours Lt. Col. J. Howard Dunn, lost 12-7-68. Most of these bracelets were worn for years; this one was never opened. It remains sealed in its original plastic packaging with both paper inserts — the VIVA explanation card (© VIVA–1970) and the original order form, which shows the bracelets came nickel-plated or solid copper. Judging by its silver tone through the packaging, this appears to be the nickel-plated version. Sold with the respect due a memorial item, as a documented piece of the era.

Details
Maker: VIVA (Voices In Vital America), Los Angeles, California
Item Type: P.O.W. – M.I.A. remembrance bracelet
Inscription: "Lt. Col. J. Howard Dunn" and "12-7-68" (name and date of loss, as engraved)
Date: Packaging marked © VIVA–1970
Material: Metal cuff bracelet — appears nickel-plated (silver tone; package unopened, so finish is judged through the plastic)
Packaging: Original sealed plastic package with printed VIVA card and order form insert
Quantity: 1 bracelet
Included: 1 x VIVA P.O.W.–M.I.A. bracelet in its sealed original package with both paper inserts

Condition
New old stock — the package has never been opened and the bracelet has never been worn or removed for inspection. The plastic packaging shows light creasing and handling wear from storage. Both paper inserts are present, clean and fully readable. The bracelet is sold exactly as found, sealed; the engraving is legible through the packaging as shown in the photos.

Pickup and Shipping
Local pickup in Saskatoon by arrangement — cash accepted. Shipping is calculated at checkout by total order weight: Canada from $5, US from $18 (full chart in our shipping policy). Oversized items may be quoted separately. Shipped Canadian orders: Interac e-Transfer or PayPal. US orders: PayPal; US buyers are responsible for any duties, tariffs, and taxes.

JAY'S MERCANTILE
Recycling the past, one item at a time.
Pacific Heights, Saskatoon, SK