Kent State Tragedies 55 Years Later

In September of 2025, we traveled to Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, and to the site of the May 4 Memorial museum. We also strolled around the tragedy's grounds, now recognized as a National Register of Historical Places.

The Kent State shootings represent a profound and tragic event that unfolded on May 4, 1970, amidst a backdrop of escalating tension and widespread protest against the Vietnam War in the United States. This incident not only marked a pivotal moment in the history of American civil unrest but also highlighted the intense divisions within society regarding the war.

The United States had been deeply involved in the Vietnam War since the early 1960s— a conflict that sparked a wave of protests across the nation, particularly among college students who were increasingly vocal about their opposition to the war. In April 1970, President Richard Nixon announced the controversial decision to invade Cambodia, a move that was perceived by many as an escalation of U.S. military involvement in Southeast Asia, and this announcement ignited a surge of anti-war protests across college campuses. Kent State University, located in Kent, Ohio, quickly became a focal point for these anti-war demonstrations, drawing attention due to its active student body and the passionate commitment of its members to advocate for peace and justice.

On the afternoon of May 4, 1970, a protest was organized on the campus of Kent State University to express opposition to the invasion of Cambodia, with students gathering to voice their dissent and demand an end to the war. As the demonstration progressed, tensions began to escalate, prompting the Ohio National Guard to be deployed to the campus with the intention of dispersing the protesters and restoring order. In a shocking turn of events, on that fateful afternoon, Guardsmen opened fire on a group of students who were gathered, resulting in the tragic deaths of four students and injuries to nine others, an act that would forever alter the landscape of American protest.

Those killed during the tragedy: Allison Krause, William Schroeder, Sandra Scheuer, and Jeffrey Miller

The shootings ignited a wave of outrage and protests across the United States, leading to further demonstrations at other universities and communities, as citizens grappled with the implications of the violence and its impact on civil liberties. This tragic event became a powerful symbol of the anti-war movement, raising awareness about the Vietnam War's devastating effects on American society and prompting many to question the government's policies and military actions. In 1971, a memorial was established at Kent State University to honor the victims, serving as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the importance of advocating for peace and justice in the face of political conflict.

The Kent State shootings continue to resonate as a significant moment in American history, illustrating the deep divisions within the country during the tumultuous Vietnam War era and the struggle for civil rights and free expression. May 4 is commemorated annually at Kent State University with various events and activities, serving as a solemn reminder of the importance of free speech, the need for dialogue in times of conflict, and the tragic consequences that can arise when political tensions escalate.

Daffodil Hill

Daffodil Hill, on Kent State University’s Kent Campus, is part of the May 4, 1970 site, which was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2016. The cascade of flowers on the hill overlooking Kent State Commons was part of a concept by Kent State Professor Emeritus Brinsley Tyrrell that he submitted for the university’s 1985 design competition for a May 4 Memorial. Tyrrell also created the “Legend of the Iron Hoop” sculptures located behind Henderson Hall and the “Behind the Brain Plaza” near Merrill Hall. Originally, the hill displayed more than 58,000 daffodils. In the 32 years since this living art installation was first planted, Kent State’s grounds crew has maintained the site, fertilizing the ground and adding new bulbs each year. But nature and other factors have made it difficult to ensure a full bloom of flowers in early May.