May 14th, 1970, 56 years ago today at Kent State University in Ohio, 67 rounds of ammunition blasted out in a 13 second interval killing four people, wounding 9 others, and permanently traumatizing millions more. I was 17 years old and I remember this day and the shock that reverberated throughout the USA.

Now, as then, the lines are drawn between those who want peace and prosperity for everyone and those who are not only willing but eager to be monsters. Behind those monsters are the entities - humans and capitalist complexes - for whom our lives still mean nothing as long as they "win the game," amss their money and consolidate their vile power. This militaristic mentality is a disease that still pummels humanity and everything on Earth. Its Capitalist partner feeds it.

56 years and things have not improved despite our efforts (so far). While we remember this day's past horror we continue to work to bring to an end the horrors of May 4th 2026.

~ Patricia C Vener-Saavedra

Banner Photo: John Filo (left) with a camera in hand, overlooking the National Guardsmen and students on May 4, 1970. Photograph by James Coon.

https://www.library.kent.edu/special-collections-and-archives/kent-state-shootings-may-4-collection

Social Media Sharing Photo: Two students, standing at the site of Jeffrey Miller's death, participate in an all-night vigil. May 4, 1974

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.