Kent State

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The narrative centers on the tragic events of May 4, 1970, when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on unarmed students at Kent State University, resulting in four deaths and several injuries. This pivotal moment in American history highlights the violent clash between authority and youth during the Vietnam War protests. Derf Backderf, a 10-year-old witness from a nearby town, reflects on the tension and fear surrounding the guardsmen, who were initially deployed to quell a trucker strike, offering a unique perspective on this shocking incident.