Mr Bill
Tilton,
After 40 years, I would like to thank you for what
you did for our country and myself. We went through some ugly times
in the late
60's. I was part of the anti-war movement during the Viet Nam era.
It was
shocking to see the daily coverage of the war on the nightly news.
When the feds held the lottery, my friends and I got together to
watch the results. I was blown away when my low number came up. I
had just
lost my student deferment and was declared 1A. I was planning to
move to Canada. As it turned out, my draft records were destroyed
in a war protest at the Mpls. draft board. I was sent a letter for
me
to come back to the draft board and re-register for the draft.
I never did.
I can't believe we didn't learn a thing from the Viet Nam war
protests. Our President, who I voted for, is getting us into
another never ending
war. Again they are using fear as the motive. I can't help to
think, if they started up the draft again, would there be
war protesters to
help bring the war to an end.
My wife and I are celebrating our 40th. wedding anniversary this month.
We have two sons who gave us six wonderful Grandkids. We are now retired
and living up in Brainerd and enjoying life. None of this might never
have happened if I was sent to Nam or moved to Canada. Again, I would
like to thank you and seven others for what you did for our country
and hope this history will be taught in the schools.
Sincere thanks, Joe
Brainerd, Mn.
This letter was received during October 2010.
Over the years, numerous men have come forward and
thanked us for destroying their draft files. Joe from Brainerd
is just one example.
During the play, "Peace Crimes," at just about every performance
one to three men would approach one of the Minnesota 8 with
a story like Joe's. Tom Trow, who produced the documentary on "Peace
Crimes," was one whose files we destroyed on
the same day that we did Joe's. Whenever someone would approach me
with such a story I'd say, "I
hope you live a good and productive life." I believe that most had
and were continuing to do good. (Frank Kroncke)