An exhibit that looks at an horrific chapter in American military history is featured at the downtown branch of the Spokane Public Library.
The exhibit looks at the My Lai Massacre of 1968, when American soldiers in Vietnam brutally killed hundreds of civilians in the village at My Lai.
George Taylor, the vice president of Spokane Veterans for Peace, says the incident is one that should never be forgotten.
“We believe that the public, especially the public that was born after 1968, our younger generation, should learn about this history, because if we don’t learn from our history and particularly the mistakes we made, then we are bound to repeat it.” said Taylor.
It’s believed as many as 500 unarmed civilians of the village were slaughtered by U.S. troops. Twenty-six soldiers were charged with criminal offenses, but only the platoon leader, Lt. William Calley, was convicted. He was originally given a life sentence, but served only three and a half years under house arrest, before his sentence was commuted by President Nixon.
The massacre was stopped by U.S. helicopter pilot Hugh Thompson Jr, who told his crew to fire on American soldiers if they tried to shoot some Vietnamese civilians who were hiding in a bunker.
Spokane Veterans for Peace member Tom Charles says the exhibit has much relevance, even today.
“Our My Lai memorial exhibit really is a memory and tribute to all civilians who have been killed in all wars, not just in Vietnam,” says Charles.
The display will also feature a panel discussion on the Vietnam Experience Friday at 3 pm.
The My Lai exhibit will be on display Thursday through Saturday at the downtown branch of the Spokane Library.
