Commemoration of Kent state shootings today

by Corrie Callaghan
THE POST

Today is the 30th anniversary of a shooting that left four Kent State University students dead, and services including a candlelight vigil will be held in memory of those slain.

This year's commemoration, entitled "Experiencing Democracy: Inquire, Learn, Reflect," includes more than 50 events, ranging from traditional student observances to scholarly discussion and artistic events, according to a news release on the official May 4 Web site.

The focus of the 30th commemoration is different from those past because this year Kent is trying to look forward, said Richard Bredemeier, emeritus vice president for enrollment at Kent and co-chair of the 30th commemoration committee. The seminars, held May 1 and 2, focused on looking at what Kent learned from this tragedy and how that knowledge can be used today to produce social change without violence, he said.

"Kent State's learning community is honoring the memories of Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer and William Schroeder with an enduring dedication to scholarship that seeks to prevent violence and to promote such democratic values as public service and civility," said Kent State President Carol A. Cartwright in a news release.

Several thousand people will flock to Kent to attend one or more of the events, Bredemeier said. Classes are cancelled from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. today.

A candlelight vigil and commemoration has been held at Kent every year since 1970, Bredemeier said. Major events, however, have only been held on big anniversaries such as the 20th, 25th and 30th.

One event of this year's commemoration was an academic symposium on freedom of expression. Kathleen M. Sullivan, a constitutional law scholar and dean of the Stanford Law School, gave a keynote address entitled, "Freedom of Expression in the United States: Past and Present."

Various music and dance recitals are also planned. Tonight the Kent State Choral Society and the Kent State University Wind Ensemble will perform "Dona Nobis Pacem." Kent alumnus Kenneth Langer wrote the arrangement.

The commemoration activities will not end this week. On July 1 and 2, the Cleveland Orchestra and the Blossom Festival Choir will perform the premiere of an orchestral work commissioned for the 30th May 4 commemoration.

For more information on all May 4-related activities, visit the commemoration Web site at http://www.may4.net.