Reflecting on the Kent State Tragedy

More than fifty years after the tragic events at Kent State University, where Ohio National Guard members opened fire on protesting students, historian Brian VanDeMark's book, “Kent State: An American Tragedy,” sheds light on the deep divisions that characterized America during the Vietnam War era. The book draws parallels between the political climate of the 1970s and today's societal rifts, emphasizing a nation divided into two camps that struggled to understand one another. VanDeMark describes the atmosphere as "tense, suspicious, and combustible," suggesting that it only took a small spark to ignite the violence that ensued. In a harrowing account, VanDeMark details how, in less than 13 seconds, 30 guardsmen discharged 67 rounds at unarmed protesters, marking a pivotal moment in American history where "the Vietnam War came home." His straightforward narrative provides both a micro and macro perspective on the events leading to the shooting, exploring the growing dissent against U.S. involvement in Vietnam and its impact on the Kent State campus. Utilizing new materials, including interviews with guardsmen, VanDeMark reconstructs the protests and the subsequent legal battles that followed the shooting. The book also addresses the long-lasting legacy of the tragedy, noting that it took two decades for an official memorial to be established on campus, with a visitors center opening in 2012, signaling a shift towards a collective understanding of the events. VanDeMark's work not only recounts a painful chapter in American history but also contributes to an emerging consensus about the significance of the Kent State tragedy, encouraging reflection on the ongoing issues of division and violence in contemporary society.