On May 4, 1970 four students were killed and nine students injured when Ohio National Guardsmen fired into a crowd during an anti-war demonstration. The students were protesting the United State’s involvement in the Vietnam conflict. Today is the 50th anniversary of that tragedy.
I had planned an article here. I would tell the background of the anti-war movement and then Governor James Rhodes’ ordering the National Guard to the campus. My plans were to include the story of the day and perspectives of the students and guardsmen. I was to share the aftermath, to tell how other campuses across the country were shut down, to share the impact on politics and the war effort.
Instead I have stared at a blank screen for over an hour, unable to tell the story. Maybe it’s because of the anniversary but I have come to realize, this is not my story to tell.
Virtual Commemoration
I would encourage you to visit Kent State’s page commemorating this significant anniversary. There you will find teaching resources and a compelling radio play of the events of the day. There is an exhibition dedicated to each of the four fallen students’ lives.
Beginning at noon you will be able to visit the 50th Virtual Commemoration page to view a special video. The video is being provided in lieu of a planned commemoration to be held on the campus. That event was cancelled due to the COVID quarantine.
Additionally, each year, beginning in 1971, the campus and community have come together for a candlelight vigil on the anniversary of the shooting. This year, due to social distancing, bringing people together in person is impossible. However, you can join the virtual candlelight vigil by posting a photo of a lit candle to your social media pages. If you don’t have one, there is one provided on site to copy and paste.
Take a few moments today to visit the May 4 site. Listen to the radio play, watch the video, imagine the moment. Reflect on this tragic event in Ohio history and light a candle.
