Artwork depicts an American GI holding a sign reading, "Peace for Vietnam."
The April 24 demonstrations saw as many half a million people march, and were noted for the prominent participation of veterans, many of whom were becoming disenchanted with the government's handling of the seemingly interminable conflict, and a growing sense that their sacrifices would be in vain. In an act of defiance that would become symbolic of the war and its damaging effects on the American psyche, on the eve of the demonstrations, hundreds of decorated Vietnam vets, inspired by Ron Kovic, threw away their medals on the barricaded steps of the Capitol building.
