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| April 21, 2000 I am trying to find the time to finish this narrative on
Bill's odyssey. I have written the words over and over in my mind in many different ways.
As I prepare to continue this narrative of Bill's story, of going back to Vietnam, a place
he had never been, I am overwhelmed and consumed with going back to Kent State to a time,
on May 4, 1970, when I wasn't there. |
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Five years to the day before the liberation or 30 years ago on April 30,
1970, President Nixon sent American troops into neutral Cambodia. There is a connection
between these two anniversaries. President Nixon invades Cambodia, a neutral country at a
time he is promising the American public to "wind down" the war. Bill Arthrell,
a student at Kent State is outraged as are millions across this country. Bill is present
at Kent State for the next four days when the war comes home, in all its horror to Kent
State. Bill is forever changed. The world is forever changed. The course a history is
forever changed. Today I read an article in the Cleveland Free Times (April 19-25, 2000), an interview with Bill, discussing May 4, Vietnam and, "Battle In Seattle." I heard a National Public Radio segment on the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of series of reports on Vietnam to commemorate the "fall of Saigon." And just last night I listened to a three and a half minute tape that the world will hear on May 4, 2000 at Kent State by Mumia Abu Jamal. Of course Kent State was mentioned, but so was My Lai. |
There is a connection between these two massacres. "Vietnam and Kent are one"
spoke Ron Kovic, American Vietnam Veteran, paralyzed for life in the Vietnam War, to Dean
Kahler, Veteran of the war at home, paralyzed at Kent State, May 4, 1970 on May 4,
1990 at the 20th anniversary commemoration.
I will let Bill introduce you to My Lai with his poetry before I engage in the narrative.
| Then:March 16, 1968 Now
it is August 16, 1998 It was not always August 16, 1998. Bill Arthrell |
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