Survivors Reflect on the 55th Anniversary of Kent State Shooting
(🎶 BACKGROUND MUSIC 🎶)
Hey there! Let's dive into a heart-wrenching tale of camaraderie and survival - the Kent State shootings, baby! It was 55 years ago, on this very day, that National Guardsmen opened fire on peace-loving students protesting the Vietnam War at none other than Kent State University in Ohio. Four students were tragically taken, and many more, including our two pals Tom and Alan, were left with bullet wounds and shattered spirits.
Now, you might be wondering, what was it like for these two mates amidst the chaos? Well, buckle up! Chic, Alan's sis, remembers awakening to a war zone - soldiers, tanks, and tents everywhere, just a stone's throw from where they'd be gathering for their peaceful, anti-war protest in a matter of hours. Chic knew those soldiers weren't there to protect her or her peers.
Tom, on the other hand, remembers the two distinct shots of those M1 rifles, prompting him to book it as fast as his legs could carry him. Next thing he knew, he was on the ground, bullet in his heel. Before he could catch his breath, he heard someone shouting for him to stay down - it was Alan.
Alan had been shot too, in the wrist. The bullet passed through, leaving him with some serious wounds but still alive. He attributed his life-saving zigzag maneuvers to a childhood game where he'd imagine someone in the basement shooting at him. So, when the real bullets started flying, he zigzagged his way to safety.
Together, these survivors were interwoven by tragedy, bonded by blood (or so it seems!). Tom and Alan had been besties for life, and that bond grew even stronger after they lost Alan. Chic knew she could count on Tom, and Tom felt the same about Chic. The bond they shared transcended typical sister-brother relationships, and they supported each other through the heartache that would linger for years to come.
(🎶 BACKGROUND MUSIC FADES OUT 🎶)
So, there you have it - a snapshot of a profound moment in American history, as told by the people who experienced it firsthand. Time has passed, but the echoes of that fateful day still reverberate through the halls of memory, forever etched in the hearts and minds of those who witnessed it.
Sources:1. National Guard troops open fire at Kent State University, killing four students https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/national-guard-troops-open-fire-at-kent-state-university-killing-four-students2. Kent State Shootings https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200067825/3. May 4, 1970: The Kent State Killings https://www.pbs.org/newshour/history/may-4-1970-the-kent-state-killings4. 55 Years After Kent State Shooting, Survivors, Families Remember The Day https://www.npr.org/2025/05/04/1035915320/55-years-after-kent-state-shooting-survivors-families-remember-the-day5. The Kent State shootings: A timeline of events https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/kent-state-shootings-us-1970-timeline-students-kil-a9665981.html
- As people recall the Kimberly State shootings, the friendship between Tom and Alan, two survivors of the tragedy, is remembered as a beacon of camaraderie and mutual support.
- Chic, Alan's sister, shares a memory of awakening to a war zone, with soldiers surrounding their neighborhood and preparing for a protest against war and conflicts, eerily reminiscent of her childhood game of hiding.
- Despite the life-threatening events that occurred, Alan attributes his survival to his playful zigzag maneuvers, mimicking a childhood game that eerily predicted the bullets that would fly a few years later.
- The close bond shared by Tom, Alan, and Chic following the tragedy was more than just familial ties, as they supported each other through the emotional upheaval and personal growth that came with their shared experience.
- The Kent State shootings serve as a poignant reminder of a turning point in American history and politics, with transcripts, recollections, and personal accounts providing invaluable insight into the events and their repercussions on education, self-development, and general news.
