January 1, This Day in History – May 4th

On May 4th, 1970, the Kent State shootings occurred, marking a dark and tragic day in American history. The event took place at Kent State University in Ohio when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a group of unarmed student protestors, killing four and wounding nine others. This incident would forever change the landscape of student activism and the anti-Vietnam War movement in the United States.

Tensions were already high in the nation due to the ongoing Vietnam War, and on April 30th, 1970, President Richard Nixon announced the expansion of the conflict with the invasion of Cambodia. This decision further fueled anti-war sentiment, particularly among young people and college students.

Protests erupted across the country, and Kent State University was no exception. On May 1st, students gathered to demonstrate against the invasion, and tensions escalated over the next few days. In response, Ohio Governor James A. Rhodes called in the National Guard on May 2nd to maintain order on campus.

On May 4th, a protest was planned on the university grounds. However, the university administration had banned the gathering. As demonstrators assembled, National Guard troops advanced toward the crowd, attempting to disperse the protesters. Shortly after noon, 28 guardsmen opened fire on the unarmed students, firing 67 rounds in just 13 seconds.

The tragedy of the Kent State shootings left an indelible mark on the nation’s conscience. The event galvanized anti-war sentiment and raised questions about the use of military force to suppress dissent. It also inspired the creation of powerful works of art, such as Neil Young’s song “Ohio,” which immortalized the event in popular culture.

On this day, we remember the tragic events at Kent State University and reflect on the importance of peaceful protest and the right to free speech in a democratic society.