Editor’s Note: Since January 1, 2010, we have been working on the Kent State Truth Tribunal, please go to www.TruthTribunal.org to learn more about our efforts to reveal the truth at Kent State in 2010. Thanks!
On May 4, 2009 I participated in the 39th Annual Kent State University Memorial and gave this talk:
My name is Laurie Krause. I am the sister of Allison Krause, the daughter of Arthur and Doris Krause.
I want to thank you for gathering together today. It’s an honor to be here at Kent State University to participate. I’d also like to thank the student body and May 4th Task Force for inviting me.
I am here to honor people who follow their truths, to respect people who live their ideals, and to focus on the healing of Kent State and our community at large.
39 years ago today, my sister, Allison Krause, was murdered by the Ohio National Guard for protesting and demonstrating against the Vietnam War. Also killed were Jeffrey, Sandra and William, and nine other Kent State students were seriously injured. I’m pleased to see a number of the surviving protesters here today, thank you for being here.
Allison was a freshman at Kent State who was incredibly passionate about life. She was a peace-loving, confident, altruistic, honor-student wanting to get the most out of college, and she was also deeply in love with her boyfriend, Barry.
As my older sister, Allison was someone I looked up to. She was so creative. I still look up to her and continue to be inspired that the whole world may be changed by any real person, like you or me, walking forward with hope and living our ideals and truths.
Let me ask you, today, are you living your truth?
Allison vehemently disagreed with the US government and its involvement in Vietnam so she assembled with many others and protested on Friday, the first of May, not knowing that she was putting her life in jeopardy, yet feeling strongly that the actions committed by our government were wrong.
On that day, a group of 500 students assembled to protest the US invasion of Cambodia. Rallies were planned for Monday to continue protesting the expansion of the Vietnam War.
The Ohio National Guard was sent in on Saturday and Kent State became a war zone overnight. Students were tear gassed and wounded by bayonets during demonstrations taking place over the weekend.
The ROTC building was burned down in retaliation for the students being attacked for expressing their right to protest and assemble.
Press conferences held by Gov. Rhodes called protesters un-American. Rhodes declared a state of emergency, banned any further demonstrations and imposed martial law at Kent. Curfews were set. Students had to run from Guardsmen on campus late at night and Allison ran from them that night. Students couldn’t return to their dorm rooms and were stuck wherever they could find shelter for the night.
Over the following days, the Kent State University campus ignited into one of our country’s worst nightmares.
As tensions heightened over the weekend, Allison called home to my parents to let them know what was happening on campus. My father told Allison to be cautious; he even asked her to back down and not involve herself.
My parents, like most parents, were coming from a place of love for their daughter. They wanted her to be safe.
But Allison was aware of the risks involved. Still, she never considered not protesting against something she was incredibly passionate about. The Vietnam War had just taken a turn for the worse, it was a time when hope for peace was fading.
To Allison, it was an obligation to show dissension to the government invading Cambodia. She made her decision, and we all know the outcome.
That Monday, despite school officials attempting to ban the demonstration by sending out leaflets, more than 2,000 people arrived to protest the government’s actions.
The dispel process began that morning with leaders telling student protestors to go home or be arrested. Students responded to these infringements of rights by throwing rocks. Wearing gas masks, the National Guard used tear gas to exert control over the growing crowds.
After some time with a lot of maneuvering Guardsmen turned in unison and took aim.
The shooting lasted 13 seconds.
Dumdum bullets were used – a type of bullet that’s illegal in warfare – and explodes on impact.
My sister died in Barry’s arms.
Allison’s death symbolizes the importance of our right to protest and speak our truths freely.
The day after the shooting, my father Arthur Krause spoke on television, telling the public how Allison’s death shall not be in vain.
Afterwards, my parents followed their truth through the legal system and in the courts over the next nine years. They sought the truth about Kent State and the reason for the murder of their daughter … going all the way to the US Supreme Court. Their final appeal was settled and the federal government issued a statement of regret.
It’s no secret that my family holds Nixon, Rhodes and the State of Ohio responsible.
Also, with the recently re-discovered audio tape, proof of an order to shoot has been found.
We now know that our government intentionally committed this deadly act against the youth of 1970, calling them ‘bums’ as they protested the Cambodian Invasion.
Triggers were not pulled accidentally at Kent State. What happened was malicious, what happened was irresponsible, what happened was evil.
The shooting was at best, without any forethought, and at worst, with total forethought. Firing on a group of unarmed students, who were simply exercising their First Amendment rights to express dissent with their government was a crime.
What do we do with an order to shoot? What can you do when the government gives permission to use ultimate force, to use deadly force, against its dissenters?
It was the government’s goal to make a defining statement and shut down student protest across the country that day…and they did…for years!
There is no such thing as a true democracy when this happens.
The local, state and federal governments never accepted responsibility for the murder of Allison, Jeffrey, Sandra and William and the injuries sustained by nine others that occurred 39 years ago today.
The people injured in the protests are reminded of it everyday.
The Kent State shooting has changed all of our lives forever, both on the inside and the outside. My family lost its eldest child and were robbed from seeing her blossom in her life past 19 years. I lost my only sister and I miss her each day.
Looking back, did the Kent State protest and killings make a difference?
Well, there was a huge response by Americans.
The Kent State shooting single-handedly created the only nationwide student strike with over 8 million students from high schools to universities speaking out and holding rallies afterward.
And Jackson State also culminated in murderous acts in a similar quest to silence student protest.
We became a nation at war with itself.
But how did we let it get that far? How did this happen?
People will never forget that day at Kent State. Today marks an event that still hits deep for so many of us.
People who were directly involved, people who believe in the Bill of Rights and the freedom to disagree with the government, people who continue to share a vision of harmony and peace for all. We’re all active participants; we are all involved in what happened.
Today is about remembrance, honor, respect and a focal point for a change in the way we handle dissension with governmental actions.
What have we learned? What can we take away from this horrible event?
For starters, we must each take responsibility for what happened so we may learn from the past, to learn from our mistakes.
First, I’m interested in learning more about the re-discovered audio recording from a student’s window ledge during the actual shooting. With new recording and audio technologies, we have revealed that ‘order to shoot.’
The order to shoot has always been a concern. In fact, each and every governmental or military official throughout the legal battle has stated under oath that there was never an order to shoot.
However, I do not accept their words and I ultimately believe they perjured themselves. There is no way the National Guard could march uphill away from the crowd – to turn in unison after reaching the top, and to shoot into the crowd – without premeditated forethought. Their bullets murdered students from over a football field away. There is no way this could ever be accomplished without an order to shoot. (Click to hear tape.)
Now with this re-discovered tape recording, we finally have proof that an order to shoot was given.
With this tape, it is very much my belief that until the truth is brought to light here, the Kent State Killings will continue to remain an ugly, unknown, unaccounted-for wound.
Case in point, just a little over a week ago Kent State students had another brush with aggressive police action during College Fest, a block party where 60 people were arrested and rubber bullets were shot into the crowd for ‘crowd control.’
People were shot for no reason, arrested for not disbanding, and fires started in the streets.
At an event with no political subtext, we can see how much kindling there already is, waiting for a spark to ignite an explosion of extreme violence. It’s still there!
We’re still seeing the same tension of the Kent State shooting that happened 39 years ago, today. The cause and effect is still active here at Kent State.
Unless we heal these wounds, they shall continue festering.
Instead of focusing on our differences, let’s focus on what brings us together.
Right now, at this point in time, it is critically important that we work together in harmony to benefit all.
We can’t perpetuate this us/them polarization of constant reaction to what’s happening around us anymore. I mean, how’s that working for us? Is that working?
So, how do you heal a community, a nation? Or should I ask, how do we heal ourselves?
Each day as we live our truths, our intentions capture a healing, beautiful, peaceful essence for positive change.
Despite harsh criticism by local residents, even by her own president, Allison and others continued on.
Allison believed in making a difference. Being anti-war and pro-peace and harmony, she was called to action. Although it was not her clear intention, Allison spoke, participated in and died for what she believed in.
The spirit of Allison asks “What are we but what we stand for?”
Don’t hope for a new tomorrow, live it today and live your truth each day. We all make a difference by speaking our truths against all odds.
Through-out my life I looked to my big sister for inspiration. Allison taught me the importance of living a life of intention and truth and I am now consciously and busily speaking my truths.
That is Allison’s message and it not just for me.
I want to close the speech by sharing with you how I have the spirit of Allison in my life as I live on the Northern California coast.
A few years ago under the Bush Administration, a major utility company and the federal government wanted to begin exploring wave energy renewable energy technologies in the Pacific Ocean near where I live.
As it progressed, the administration was very gung-ho on exploring wave technologies with a mentality of ‘throwing technology into the ocean and let’s see what happens!’
In March 2008, I marched for the Mendocino Wave Energy Moratorium, to be a voice for protecting the marine environment, to slow it down for proper environmental research to be conducted and to involve the community in this project.
In 2007 I also began publishing a blog called MendoCoastCurrent. I did this as my personal, political act and operate as the Wave Energy Blogger and an environmental activist now.
Allison showed me that it is my responsibility to live and speak my truth. If I do not agree with what’s happening, it is my right to protest, assemble and voice my concerns.
Since then I’ve encountered quite a few unforeseen obstacles and hostile harassment, yet I still believe that even in the face of opposing forces and arrest, I must fight my good fight…and keep on, keeping on! Allison whispers this in my ear.
Let’s stand up for what is right and best for all. We must protest against injustices and use our voices to speak out when we disagree with what’s happening.
On the Mendocino coast as all looked lost regarding the negative effects of wave energy with mounting environmental concerns regarding this nascent technology in our ocean, President Obama was inaugurated.
Obama and his administration bring us so much good news. They are approaching renewable energy technology from an environmentally-safe perspective along with incorporating community aims and input now. And that massive utility company is following suit.
Environmental concerns in creating safe renewable energy in my community may now be possible!
And I feel Allison smiling!
We must still remain ever vigilant yet I’ve found a great deal of hope and comfort in what I’ve seen these past one hundred days of Obama.
I’m hopeful that we may become more conscious of our use of our precious resources, in using and generating our electricity and in fueling our vehicles.
I’m hopeful that the truth about Kent State will someday be known.
As we learn to speak our truth, even in the face of danger and opposition, we bring change and harmony.
So I ask you…and I ask you for Allison as well…how are you speaking your truth today?
Beautiful! I hope the day was healing and your speech touched people as much as it touched me.
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This year’s Kent State Memorial was a very positive experience and the best ever for members of my family.
A significant healing was felt as we revisited Kent State and Blanket Hill 39 years later.
Each of us noticed and commented on the ‘kinder, gentler’ atmosphere in the community and on how event attendees were remarkably loving and supportive…a totally new experience for us.
I am hopeful as there is now heightened interest in the truth finally coming out. Seems the re-discovered tape may do the trick!
Thank you Kym for your on-going support, your lovely remembrance of my sister/Kent State and your unlimited grace!
Laurel Krause
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Every year on May 4, a friend and chief photographer I worked with sends me a message. Usually it just contains two words: Never Forget.
This year he added another line:
NEVER FORGET! 39 years ago today, Kent State.
I was working as chief photographer for The Athens Messenger and was headed to Kent State as soon as I could pick up some riot gear. I heard the first inaccurate radio report that troopers had been shot and killed by students (if you can believe that) and headed back to Athens.
Here’s an account of what happened in Athens at Ohio University in the weeks after the shooting.
The memories of those days hasn’t faded, even if my hair has.
Laurel, thank you for blogging this moving tribute. I’m so lucky to have been able to share it, although I’ve never been to Ohio, I feel that I was there with you, just like I felt as a kid when I saw the newsreels of that awful day. I have never listened to the song by CSN&Y without remembering that day, and the sacrifice of those 4. Keep blogging and please let me know whenever you need RT’s or clips and blogging for your oceanic activism.
This is beautiful. Very well done. I did a college term paper on Kent State back in the 70′s and was astonished (actually horrified) when I researched all the details. For what its worth, your sister has had an impact me for over 30 years.
wonderful and touching post. thank you so much.
Thank you for this heartfelt and moving piece.
Kent State awoke political consciousness in my previously sheltered 12-yo brain, and I suspect it did so in many others as well.
Especially in these exciting economic times the importance of principled dissent and respectful attention to opposing viewpoints is more vital than ever. While people of good intention may not always agree, they can at least agree to work jointly towards solution to the problems both share. How do we achieve a society which is sustainable in multiple dimensions–in energy use and in species and environmental protection? Is balance possible?
Laurel, I love your blog and am a regular reader. I share what I preceive as your environmental concern and your passion for a better world, but must repsectfully ask the question, if not wave (or other marine) energy, then from where will we get our electricity? I have met many wonderful activists with whom I share a broadly similar view of what the world is and could (should) be. Yet, I remain dismayed by how many are Disciples of No even as they profess their environmental sensibilities.
Every renewable energy technology has foes amongst environmentalists; I always ask “OK, you don’t like this, but please suggest an alternative!” As we squabble the Earth slides into the abyss.
I had the privelege of meeting Lord Nicholas Stern in Seattle last week. He made a point that bears repeating: “If you ask for things that can’t be done you just marginalize yourself.” We cannot ask for the perfect energy source that has no trade-offs and offends nobody–it doesn’t exist. The questions to ask, I think, are what is the answer that poses the fewest new questions? Which choice presents us with the fewest trade-offs to which we must acquiesce?
I apologize lest it seem that this screed criticizes you for opposing all marine energy (I think your position is that it must be responsible and responsive to the affected communities.) We cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. How do we move forward to a better place?
Thanks again, and please keep writing!
Chris,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment and for your regular reading of MendoCoastCurrent.
My position with regard to wave and ocean energy is that it MUST be safe (toward the environment, sea creatures/flora/fauna) as well as inclusive of the community where it resides.
I am in favor of, and excited about, this solution moving forward. And yes, it is not perfect as few technology opportunities are, but I believe in the path that mimicks nature is our best bet.
My family (we live in Indiana) visited the Kent State shootings site three summers ago. I wanted our then-14-year-old son to know about what happened there. But, there was nothing there (then) to indicate that this was a site that is as important historically to the nation as Gettysburg and the motel in Memphis where Dr. King was assassinated.
But nothing….. and no one to ask what happened and where it happened – only the roped-off parking spaces where the students were killed.
When I saw those spaces on the parking lot, I became upset with myself. I was planning to place flowers on each site and had forgotten to stop and buy them on the way to Kent State. Out on that parking lot, my wife (of 30 years) and I couldn’t say a word to one another. We just looked at each other with tears in our eyes. As we walked off towards our car I whispered, “Honey, how COULD I have forgotten to get those flowers?”
———————-
I had been a peaceful war protester at the time of Kent State and when I heard of the shootings, I told my friends that I wondered how many more of us would be suffering the same fate as the students at Kent State. In fact, I remember saying: “Nixon may end up killing ALL of us.”
I loved your article, Laurie, and I commend you for your important work as a citizen-activist. Since we visited Kent State, I have done much research on the internet and – like so many thousands of people over the years – have been inspired by the life of your courageous sister.
I have wondered, “If Allison Krause was alive today, what would she look like?”
Well, I look at the photo of you that accompanies your article and I see a face that is filled with life and with love.
And I no longer have to wonder what Allison would look like today.
God bless, Jim
Dear Jim,
Thank you for your very touching post.
I have been to Kent to speak three times now. The first time was at the 25th anniversary and there was even less there to mark the event than now.
You may be surprised to know that they were going to bulldoze the parking lot to put in a gymnasium, so I guess we’re thankful for the the spaces being marked off. Mostly because Alan Canfora, an injured student, has made it his business to help Kent State University find their way toward honoring the slain and injured Kent State students. It’s really the students of Kent State that have stood firm against attempts to sweep it under the carpet.
I think the Kent State wound is still deep and wide…and it’s not so much about the place as it is about the pysche and spirit of the baby boomer generation.
Hi Laurie,
Thank you for your very kind response.
After our visit to Kent State, I e-mailed Alan Canfora with some questions and he promptly responded. For several months, we communicated quite regularly and I found him to be a very fascinating person.
His commitment to keeping the history of the Kent State tragedy intact and known to the public is tremendous. From him and through my own research, I have learned that Kent State has historically displayed very little in the way of respect and “ownership” of this historic and hallowed site. In fact, if not for people like Alan (and I imagine your parents – I admire them greatly), I believe Kent would have constructed buildings all over the site to try to pretend that nothing important had happened there.
My wife and I – nature lovers and conservationists that we are – were both traumatized to read about the part of the historic hill where beautiful, old, federally protected trees were bulldozed down so that a sports complex could be constructed there.
I have been very happy to read about the new museum-type center being cobbled together at Kent (is it completed?) to help educate and inform the public as well as to memorialize those students who were killed and wounded.
I am in poor health, but I am hoping to be able to go with my wife to the 40th memorial observance of the Kent State tragedy in May of 2010.
If I am indeed able to make it, I will not forget the flowers this time.
Peace and love, Jim
Laurel,
Thanks for sending me your speech. It was so beautiful and touching. Your speech and Allison’s actions remind me that the truth matters, especially in this day where it sometimes feels like character comes second. I hope that to always instill that sense of character that you and Allison have in my young students. Most of all, I hope you are doing well in Mendocino.
Your Friend,
Theresa Nguyen
Laurel, thank you for that important and moving tribute.
Big hugs,
Barry
Hi Laurie!! You don’t know me, but I have the honor of sitting across the table from your mother for coffee ( when I’m in town!). I was sorry I missed meeting you when you were here, hopefully we’ll meet in the future! I was a high school senior that fateful day, and was totally devestated when the shootings took place. I could never understand how people gave the students a bad rap for protesting, and actually tried to make them look like the “bad guys”. I’ve heard first hand accounts from your mom, and my heart goes out to her and you and your entire family, just as it did 39 years ago. Thank you for writing and delivering such a wonderful speech, I know your dad and Allison would be so proud of you. Best of luck in your endeavors, you and your mom are always in my prayers. Take care, best wishes! Jack Carl
Hi Jack,
I’ve heard so much about you from my mom that I feel like I already know you!
Thanks for your comments and know that I appreciate you and your care of my Mom!!!!!
Best,
L.
Thanks for sharing, what is probably very difficult to relive, that horrible day and the strength you’ve found to honor your sister and fallen school mates. It brings your loss closer to us who have not been as unfortunate and makes us think or act on our beliefs of which we are passionate.
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Thank you for sharing this.
Wow! How do I book you as a speaker? Wow!
Laurie, thank you for writing this. It was such a shocking event. I mean, this is only supposed to happen in “backward” countries
I would have loved to have heard you deliver these words.
Thanks for such an important speech, and for posting it here.
I took my 24 yr.old daughter to Kent 2 days ago. First time for both of us. I remember that day and always will. What a waste of human life. It makes my heart drop and sick to my stomach to think our government could do that. For what, to make them look like Big men. We are planning to attend the 40th next year. God Bless You and your family.
Thank you for your kind words Joyce. I hope to see you there as I too plan on attending!
Laurel
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As a VietNam War protester at the 1969 March on Washington D.C. (where you state that your sister Allison also attended), I cried hard and sobbed hard with the news of the murder your wonderful sister and the other wonderful students that terrible day one year later. The tears and sobs are still with me to this day. God bless you for carrying on Allison’s legacy and letting others know what REALLY happened the day our Government murdered their own. I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN!
Laurie,
I was following the protests in Tehran and found your speech post. Thank you. Your comments brought back a nightmare I lived. I was a student back in 1970 and active in the anti-war movement. I was also 19 and felt deeply about free speech and the repression of our right to assemble – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, freedom…
I never knew your sister but felt great loss in her murder
With great respect and sorrow for your loss.
pjd
Thank you for this very moving post.
Laurie- Thank you for your words-they have touched me deeply. My sister Rachel and I were in junior high with you when Allison was shot…I remember it so clearly. To this day, I continue to feel a great loss. I know that she would be so proud of you and the journey that you have taken. Best of luck to you. I’m glad to know about your blog.
Peace.
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Thank you for your heart rending blog. I too am a child of the 60s and live through those incredibly evil and drastically enlightening times.
Each time I hear “4 dead in Ohio” I see the picture of your dear sister in my minds eye.
I sincerly believe she did not die in vain. Her death solidified/polarized the anti-war movement at a crucial time in our nations history and galvanized us into action.
Protests all over the nation were larger and more vocal after we learned who had given their lives for our constitutional right to free assembly and non-violent protest.
I see an undeniably similar event in Iran with the murder of Neda, another young woman committed to her beliefs and values and peacefully protesting. Just walking w/ the crowd.
Let’s hope the people of Iran prevail as we did. We only stopped a war. They’re trying to revolutionize their country
This, with humble heart and spirit is sent to you and Allison.
What a beautiful speech and an inspiring message! Very inspiring. :)
Thank you, Thank you to your family and especially to Allison! My brother was a student at Kent State at the time. He was a Sophomore and he lived off campus. We came to Kent to pick him that night and was turned away by the National Guard at the freeway in Brimfield.
As a young revolutionary in the making, I was so angry that someone had the power to kill innocent people just for expressing themselves against a war we never should have been involved in.
I love what you said in your speech. This incident changed my life in many ways. I wrote about it in a research paper in high school because it was so moving to me that these student had so much conviction to what they believed in.
I am proud to have been around to be inspired by brave courageous giants like Allison and the other student that did not back down. I am so sorry that she had to lose her life fighting for her rights and the right of others.
Many of my peers were drafted against their will to fight in the Vietnam War. They have never recovered from that experience.
I really wanted to acknowledge that I used to attend the ceremony every year. I now live in Maryland, but say a prayer on May 4th for the brave revolutionaries that stood up to the government and the school. Thank you to your family, God Bless you.
A beautiful message Laurel. I was raising my small sons when all that took place. My husband and I cried together for the senseless loss of those young lives.
You write beautifully.
It is only this year that the Vietnam Vets have begun getting full recognition and welcome home. Perhaps the country is beginning to open its collective eyes to the atrocities it committed on itself, within its borders, and on its children.
Perhaps you’ll find a more receptive audience and advocate in the media, as you pursue your fight further.
Best of luck.
i hope you are healed! your work proves that you have been a sister Allison would have been proud of!
I was very young when Kent State happened, but I am sorry for your loss, which I know is still felt. We lost our five-year-old son in Willits in 1997, (see our website) also to the military-industrial machine. Many other people I know also have been affected by the toxics in Mendocino County, which locals and officials like to keep quiet. Have you heard any more news about the Navy’s plans for exercises off the NW coast?
Thank you so very much for the tribute to your sister. In May of 1970 I was a senior at Kenston High school in Bainbridge Twp. Geauga County, OH. Just up Rt. 306 from Kent.
I remember the blocking off of 306 just north of kent and just how terrible the memory was of what our government could and would do to protesters.
Those were scary times, but our government putting the idea of a “terrorist around any corner” and convincing the American public of this by imploding buildings with innocent people in is just more of the same just on an even higher level.
Thank you so much for the beautiful tribute to your fallen sister and keeping the faith.
Sincerely,
Denis B Foley
I did not know your sister but did know Jeff and Sandy. I am a grandmother now and have had a rich life. I have always felt sad that these four lost their lives in this senseless shooting. They are not forgotten.