Remembering John Cleary: The Legacy of a Kent State Survivor

The Life of John Cleary

John Cleary, who was shot in the chest by Ohio National Guard troops during an antiwar protest at Kent State University in 1970, died on October 25 at his home in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. He was 74. Cleary's involvement in this tragic historical moment has been immortalized through a haunting photograph featured on the cover of Life magazine.

A Tragic Day

The events of May 4, 1970, remain etched in American history. Following the announcement that U.S. forces had expanded the Vietnam War into Cambodia, tensions escalated on campuses across the nation. At Kent State, after a local R.O.T.C. building was set afire, Governor James A. Rhodes ordered the National Guard to intervene, resulting in a deployment of over 100 troops.

Voices From the Past

In an oral history interview, Cleary described the days leading up to the shooting as marked by less focus on political matters and more on personal academic endeavors. “Most of the people in my major were busy with homework and design issues,” he reflected. Yet, on the fateful day of the protest, he decided to capture photographs, seeking to understand the atmosphere stirred by the demonstration.

“I went to kind of just see what was going on and observe the protesters,” he recounted.

The Moment of Violence

As Cleary prepared to document the protest further, chaos erupted. Guardsmen, positioned to oversee the crowd, began firing tear gas canisters when students refused to disperse. In a moment of terror, they discharged their weapons, and Cleary found himself a victim of the violence.

“It felt like getting hit in the chest with a sledgehammer,” he described, a visceral reminder of the violent disruption that unfolded that day. Cleary lay bleeding on the ground, where fellow students rushed to provide aid. Howard Ruffner, a Kent State student and freelance photographer for Life, captured the image that would resonate through history, showing Cleary in a moment of vulnerability.

The Aftermath of the Shooting

The shooting resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries, sparking national outrage and protests against the war and police violence. In the wake of the incident, Cleary faced not only physical but emotional scars. Initially reluctant to share his experience, advice from his family and community led him to downplay his involvement.

A Personal Journey

Following a decade of silence, his perspective began to shift dramatically when his son was born on the anniversary of the shooting. This prompted him to confront the trauma he had buried deep within. The experience became a catalyst for change, leading him to engage in anniversary events and share his story.

Contributions to a Vital Dialogue

In later years, Cleary emerged as a vital voice warning against the dangers of political divisiveness and the suppression of free speech. His reflections on the impact of the protest both personally and socially served as a reminder of the importance of dialogue and understanding in a democracy.

“People today just don't grasp the power that Life magazine had back then,” noted historian Brian VanDeMark. “It intensified the impact of what happened to John Cleary regarding public perception and understanding.”

Continuing Legacy

Before his passing, Cleary was honored at numerous commemorative events, ringing a campus bell and ensuring that the lessons of that tragic day continued to resonate with future generations. Today, his story is a powerful reminder of the costs of societal conflict and the necessity of protecting free speech amidst turmoil.

Cleary's passing leaves a void in the voices of the five surviving students who call themselves the Blood Brothers, a term that underscores their shared experiences and bond through trauma.

A Final Reflection

John Cleary is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and four grandchildren, who shall carry forward his legacy of introspection, honesty, and advocacy for open dialogue amidst differing views.

As Roseann Canfora, a Kent State journalism professor, poignantly stated, “John's experience — and especially his voice — remind us how precious our democracy is and the courage needed to defend it.”