1971 – Memorial Day Protests Highlight Black Veterans’ Struggles

On May 30, 1971, Black veterans joined anti-war protesters in Memorial Day demonstrations across the United States, drawing attention to racial discrimination within the military and broader society. As the Vietnam War raged on, Black soldiers disproportionately faced front-line combat roles, racial abuse, and limited opportunities for advancement. Many returning veterans were denied healthcare, benefits, and jobs, compounding systemic inequities. The 1971 protests served as a platform for Black veterans to demand dignity, equality, and recognition of their sacrifices. Activists also criticized the contradiction of fighting for democracy abroad while being denied civil rights at home. May 30 thus became not only a day of remembrance for fallen soldiers but a rallying point for justice. Today, these protests remind us of the intertwined struggles of patriotism and racial equity, and the resilience of those who served with honor in a country still reckoning with its promises.