The Power of Protest & Memories

Last week marked an important time in history. On April 30, 1975, Vietnamese Communist forces captured the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon, signaling the end of decades of warfare that tore apart the country. In addition, the week also marked the anniversary of the shootings at Kent State University. The history of the war in Vietnam is an important one to recognize and recount accurately. The history of the anti war and peace movement is also important to review, recognize and account accurately. There are many lessons from the Vietnam era that should have served us well as people took us down the path to war in Iraq.

I was able to spend time in Washington, DC this past weekend, meeting with many other people who protested and acted against the war in Vietnam. Here's a link to an article that appeared in the NonProfit Quarterly that sums up the events pretty well - NonProfit Quarterly - Vietnam: Memory & Silence.

The article not only discusses what went on, but also talks about the importance of memories, history and learning. One of the things I did while I was there was to participate in a video project that is recording and archiving personal stories and histories from that time period. It's an important project because history does tend to get revised - by the government, historians, etc.

I also had the opportunity to meet up with and reconnect with some old friends from that time period. We were able to reminisce, share stories and laugh about some of our experiences. It was good. We marched from the New York Ave. Presbyterian Church to the Martin Luther King, Jr, Memorial. Old protesters with bad knees and bad feet, still letting people know that war can be a huge mistake and that people need to speak up and act. The lessons of Vietnam are very real and they should be taught and re-taught every time we think about justifying another war.

When all of the activities were over I was also able to spend a day with my sister, my brother in law, my niece and her husband.

We're home again, understanding a little bit more about how war, the environment, youth and the power of protest are all connected. Seneca Lake sits out my window looking solemn with grace and changing colors, waiting for the wind to whip her up again. Glad to see her and know she's strong.