Activities commemorating the 55th anniversary of the National Guard shootings that killed 4 students and wounded 9 others on May 4, 1970 during an anti-Vietnam War protest, continue this weekend at Kent State University.
OPERATION BABYLIFT: A 50-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE AND PERSONAL HISTORY
1 p.m. on May 3
Kent Student Center Kiva
The event explores the lasting impact of the Vietnam War through the perspectives of adoptee Mahli Xuan Mechenbier, J.D., and retired Maj. Gen. Ed Mechenbier, a Vietnam prisoner of war, connecting the war’s humanitarian and historical consequences to Kent State’s legacy. This event will be livestreamed.
ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT WALK AND VIGIL
11 p.m. on May 3
Kent State Commons
This cornerstone of the commemoration began in 1971. Light refreshments will be available before the Candlelight Walk on the Kent State Commons and in the Prentice Hall parking lot.
Noon on May 4
Kent State Commons
The campus community and visitors will gather on the May 4 site to commemorate the moment that gunfire erupted 55 years ago. The annual commemoration will include remarks from university students and administrators, the ringing of the Victory Bell and a moment of silence at 12:24 p.m.
The commemoration remembers those killed – Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer and William Schroeder – and those wounded – Alan Canfora, John Cleary, Thomas Grace, Dean Kahler, Joseph Lewis, Donald Mackenzie, James Russell, Robert Stamps and Douglas Wrentmore – on May 4, 1970.
The May 4 Commemoration will be livestreamed.
MORE INFORMATION:
For the latest information about the commemoration and events planned to honor and remember May 4, 1970, visit www.kent.edu/may4.
