I wasn't born until 1977, but I feel I've known them like it was just yesterday. I've shared the same humor and made the same kinds of friends as they did. I've walked the same path to Taylor Hall when I'm in a daze to get somewhere. I've had to stand up for what I believe in when the time is right. I've worked so hard and watched my accomplishments fall to the ground, only to pick up the pieces of my life and put it all back together again.
Lately, those pieces are touched by Allison, Bill, Jeff and Sandy.
Because of their memory, I've realized the importance of living to the fullest. I don't think of them as martyrs. Protesters or not, they were fighting for their own lives with every breath uttered about Vietnam. They had such courage to be a student at that time. They were growing up in a society whose government often treated them like a burden. Still, they formed their own opinions, maybe let their hair grow long, yet it didn't make them any better or worse human beings.
In the past several months, the staff of The Burr's May 4 special edition has visited the human side of history. To experience the Vietnam era, we had to look deeply into the lives of four Kent State students, who in our consciousness will always remain students. Though old enough to be our parents, I could swear I've met them in class somewhere. It's their spirit that lingers after 30 years - whether or not other students choose to acknowledge it.
The May 4 story is not only a Kent State story. It is an American story of the search for truth and justice. It is a student's story, a parent's story, a soldier's story. On behalf of the The Burr staff, I hope you find your story.
For dates and facts are not enough to show what happened in the past when dealing with people.
Amanda Young
|
|
