may 4, 1970

Today is the 40th anniversary of the Kent State massacre.

For those who were either A) not alive or B) living on some alien planet, this was the turning point of public opinion around the war in Vietnam. It is also a day that will live in infamy for those who believe the National Guard acted with malice when they destroyed four lives.

While some believe this shooting was justified, as students pelted the guard with rocks, it’s difficult to imagine how rocks equate with bullets. As it was, 29 of 77 guardsmen claimed to have fired their weapons, and a total of 67 bullets were expended.

As I look at the photo of Mary Ann Vecchio kneeling over the lifeless body of Jeffrey Miller, the shock and horror of that moment comes rushing back and I grieve for all of those who died that day.

photo/ John Filo  [a minor note re: the photograph. When originally published, the bar running into Vecchio’s head was airbrushed out.]