Kennedy, Edward M., 1932-2009 to Craig Thursby
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09526 Author/Creator: Kennedy, Edward M., 1932-2009 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Typed letter signed Date: April 25, 1973 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 27.1 cm, Width: 20.4 cm Order a Copy
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."
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