Kennedy, Edward M., 1932-2009 to Craig Thursby

Images of this object are available online to Collection subscribers.

GLC09526
GLC#
GLC09526
Type
Letters
Date
April 25, 1973
Author/Creator
Kennedy, Edward M., 1932-2009
Title
to Craig Thursby
Pagination
2 p. : Height: 27.1 cm, Width: 20.4 cm
Primary time period
1945 to the Present
Sub-Era
The Seventies

This letter, written in April 1973 by Senator Edward Kennedy, discusses the need to care for those who served in Southeast Asia and to forgive those who "refused induction" for moral reasons so "that the nation can turn its attention to reconciliation and healing the wounds and bitterness created by this long and costly conflict."

Although the question of amnesty occupies more than half of this letter, Kennedy made it clear that caring for America’s servicemen was his top priority:

"But the first and immediate task is to care for the addict, the jobless and the wounded veterans home from Southeast Asia. It is our nation’s responsibility to help them right now. And only after we can insure that they are given every opportunity to rebuild their lives, can we then seek the answers to amnesty with the ultimate goal of restoring to our country the unity which this long and cruel conflict divided."

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources

For reproductions and permissions, please visit our Rights and Reproductions Page.