"Old times there are not forgotten"
We learned of The Pentagon Papers through the New York Times. American troop strength in Vietnam dropped to 184,000. A bomb planted by the Weather Underground exploded in the United States Capitol. Inflation and unemployment continued to rise. A prison riot at the New York State Prison at Attica cost the lives of nine prison guards and 28 inmates. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) began operations.
New book titles: The Vantage Point, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, The Book of Daniel, Honor Thy Father and The Winds of War.
At the movies: A Clockwork Orange, Klute, The Last Picture Show and The French Connection.
On stage: Follies, Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Prisoner of Second Avenue.
Emmy awards: George C. Scott for The Price; Lee Grant for The Neon Ceiling; Hal Holbrook for The Bold Ones; and Susan Hampshire for The First Churchills.
March 2
United Mines Workers president William A. "Tony" Boyle was indicted on charges of conspiracy, embezzlement and illegal campaign contributions.
May 1
Classmate Wayne Tucker pulled his first shift as a member of the Beckley Fire Department.
June 30
The Twenty-sixth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States became effective, reducing the voting age to 18 years.
August 2
The People's Republic of China was admitted to the United Nations and Nationalist China was expelled.
August 15
Wages and prices in the United States were frozen for 90 days in an attempt to fight inflation.
October 6
Classmate Gene Raymond McElrath's body was discovered in West Raleigh, a victim of homicide. We do not believe anyone has ever been charged with this crime. Gene was raised in Crab Orchard where he continued to live following service in the United States Army. He had been employed for a time as a taxi driver in Beckley.