51 years ago today

[bluescribbler]

Members of the Ohio National Guard opened fire on unarmed students protesting against the violation of Cambodia's neutrality. 4 students were killed.

Never forget.

[CTyankee]

1. It is etched in my memory. I had a young son and I started being an activist soon after.

My husband at the time derided my activism. He was a Democrat but never lifted a finger against a war that could put his own son at risk. In fact, he was dismissive of my activism.

[Backseat Driver]

2. I married my drafted Ohio 66-68 Army Viet Nam Era vet later that year...

His "orders" came down; 180-day policy notwithstanding...in the end, by days, he was too short to send. Yup, it will be our 51st this year too!

[AndyS]

3. I was serving in a Provisional Riot Control Battalion in Ft Lee, VA

at the time. As a group we were outraged that National Guardsmen would have live ammunition when we, full time soldiers, were disciplined and trained in crowd control that DID NOT INCLUDE LIVE AMMUNITION.

Back then the National Guard and Army Reserve were not the professional well trained force that they are today. They were largely draft dodgers and often rich privileged white kids who got special dispensation to capture a much coveted slot in one of the stay-at-home military branches (like George W. Bush).

We were PISSED OFF to see a Major in a Hawaiian shirt ordering killing fire on US citizens. Given the option we would have happily deployed against the NG. With live ammunition.

[malaise]

4. I will never forget

That was an important moment in my life

[KG]

5. when the military blathers about 'protecting our freedoms'