Vietnam Veterans Against the War

Vietnam Veterans Against the War
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Name	Vietnam Veterans Against the War
Formation	1967
Founder	Jan Barry, Ron Kovic, John Kerry
Type	Anti-war organization
Location	United States
Affiliations	American Civil Liberties Union, Students for a Democratic Society

Vietnam Veterans Against the War was a prominent anti-war organization during the Vietnam War, founded by Jan Barry, Ron Kovic, and John Kerry in 1967. The organization was formed to give voice to the growing number of United States veterans who opposed the war and to raise awareness about the harsh realities of combat. Many of its members, including Al Hubbard and Bill Crandell, had served in South Vietnam and had witnessed the devastating effects of the war on civilians and soldiers alike. As the war escalated, the organization gained momentum, with many members participating in protests and demonstrations alongside other anti-war groups, such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

● History

The history of the organization is closely tied to the Gulf of Tonkin incident and the subsequent Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to take military action in Southeast Asia without a formal declaration of war. As the war dragged on, veterans like David Dellinger and Tom Hayden began to speak out against the conflict, citing the My Lai Massacre and other atrocities committed by United States Army troops. The organization's early years were marked by protests and demonstrations, including the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam and the New Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam. Members like Daniel Ellsberg and Anthony Russo also played a key role in exposing the Pentagon Papers, a secret study that revealed the true extent of United States involvement in the war.

● Organization and Membership

The organization was led by a national office, with chapters in cities across the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Members included veterans like Bobby Muller and John Wheeler, who had been wounded in combat, as well as those who had served in non-combat roles, such as Robert Muller and William Sloane Coffin. The organization also had close ties to other anti-war groups, including the American Friends Service Committee and the War Resisters League. Many members, including Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky, were also involved in the Civil Rights Movement and the Anti-Imperialist Movement.

● Protests and Demonstrations

The organization was known for its bold and creative protests, including the Winter Soldier Investigation, which brought together veterans to testify about their experiences in Vietnam. Members also participated in the People's Peace Treaty, a grassroots effort to promote peace and reconciliation between the United States and North Vietnam. The organization's protests often coincided with major events, such as the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the 1971 May Day protests. Members like Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin were also involved in the Yippie movement, which used humor and satire to critique the war and the United States government.

● Notable Members

Many notable members of the organization went on to become prominent figures in United States politics and social activism, including John Kerry, who later became a United States Senator and Secretary of State. Other notable members include Ron Kovic, who wrote the bestselling memoir Born on the Fourth of July, and Jan Barry, who continued to advocate for veterans' rights and social justice. Members like Daniel Berrigan and Philip Berrigan were also involved in the Catholic Worker Movement and the Plowshares Movement. The organization's members also included Medal of Honor recipients like Dwight Johnson and Michael Thornton.

● Impact and Legacy

The organization's impact on the anti-war movement and United States society as a whole was significant, helping to shift public opinion against the war and contributing to the eventual withdrawal of United States troops from Vietnam. The organization's legacy can be seen in the work of modern-day anti-war groups, such as Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace. Members like Cindy Sheehan and Ehren Watada have also been involved in the Anti-War Movement and the Peace Movement. The organization's commitment to social justice and activism continues to inspire new generations of veterans and activists, including those involved in the Occupy Wall Street movement and the Black Lives Matter movement. Today, the organization's history and legacy are remembered and studied by scholars and activists at institutions like the Library of Congress and the National Archives. Category:Anti-war organizations