"This was my favorite cover, probably because it caused the four of use to be called before the Grand Jury in New York. They finally decided it wouldn't be good public relations to indict magazine editors, so after our testimony they let us go. However, the cover itself was pretty self-evident."---Dugald Stermer, Ramparts Magazine
Draft card burning was a symbolic way of saying No to the government and showing distaste for the war and the unfairness of the way the draft was being carried out. By destroying their draft card, young men were putting themselves at risk of destroying their careers and being viewed as unpatriotic.
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“When a student he recognized from the law school at Yale handed him his card, though, [William Sloane] Coffin tried to give it back. 'Don't be a fool,' he said. 'With this on your record you would destroy a law career.' The resister replied, calmly, 'I don't care. I know I'm not going to become a lawyer.' He then broke the law.”
Draft Card Burning Ceremony in Arlington Street Church, Boston, MA |
Bailey Adolph
Senior Division Webpage
Senior Division Webpage