The 60’s: Chapter 20

Victoria Easterday
Aug 25, 2017 · 2 min read

Protesting Vociferously — Still a Rebel

I don’t know how to end this story. I guess that’s the difference between me and a real writer. I will try my best.

When I seriously contemplate the year between May 1968 to May 1969 I am amazed at how that one year changed the trajectory of my life.

By the end of 1968 I had lost three friends in Vietnam. So unnecessary and so senseless.

The sheer horror of Vietnam brought many of us out of the dream into reality and the undeniability of the war was unavoidable and harsh.

I wanted to march and protest along with so many brave people from my clan.

The truth is I couldn’t. I was afraid. I got busted both times I did and I hated the jail house and all its conditions.

I was afraid of being roughed up or maybe shot. I was afraid of being in large crowds. I wanted to march for peace and yet I hated all the yelling and screaming and so I allowed those who could, to do just that.

The takeaway in my life today is that no one can shut me up when I see something as heinous as Charlottesville go down. People can count on me to protest that kind of hate and evil at the top of my lungs.

My despair over our permanent state of endless war makes me so sad I often I just have to put my head down till the heartbreak passes. That’s a seed that flowered in and beyond the 60's.

I would not and could not give up one moment of my life during those years and I’m grateful that I had the persistence and determination to write some of those stories down.

I am so happy I still have the mind and manners of a rebel. Old age without that would just be ugly.

I appreciate anyone who read any of these stories. The fact that you could hang in with my lack of experience and uneven writing style says a lot about you that’s kind of fun and interesting.

All I can say is “ I did it.” Telling this story has been the dream of my lifetime and frankly I’m glad it's done.

Now I can return to my silly ass jive and general folderol.

Can I hear an Amen!!

With big love,

Victoria Easterday

)

Victoria Easterday

Written by

The Scheherazade of the Appalachians. Notes from the air around the donut hole.

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