Interview with John O. Abernethy, March 29, 2022

Interview Summary

John begins by describing his childhood and his father's service in World War II. He soon moves on to his life in college from 1968-1972 and role in Vietnam war protests there. He had participated in protests led by students and the religious leadership on campus. In addition, his wife and him attended protests in Washington DC, Valley Forge and Philadelphia. The movement in Valley Forge was organized by Jane Fonda. He also discusses the intersection between the antiwar movement and the free love, hippie, and environmental movements. He also attended a racial equality protest in Washington, DC and described his emotions there. After leaving college, he mentions his experience almost getting drafted and what he would have done had that occurred. Finally, he looks back on his life since then, both professionally and academically, and how the Vietnam war and its effects shaped his outlook on life and how he hopes to be remembered.

Interview Keyword

Vietnam protestor antiwar student activism environmental movement Free Love Washington demonstrations campus protests Vietnam draft Jane Fonda counterculture hippie Ursinus College West Chester

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.