Kent State Remembers May 4, 1970
Planning is underway for the upcoming May 4 Commemoration.
On May 1-4, 2026, Kent State University will hold the annual commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 – a tragic day when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on Kent State students during an anti-war protest on campus, killing four students and wounding nine others. May 4, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in American history. While reflecting on the past, Kent State also looks forward, recognizing the enduring impact of May 4 on the university today and its future.
Friday, May 1
At 11:30 a.m., Kent State will hold the Jerry M. Lewis May 4 Lecture Series and Luncheon. Tickets will be available in late March.
Sunday, May 3
The annual Candlelight Walk and Vigil began at 11 p.m.
Sunday, May 4
Music on the Kent State Commons will precede the commemoration at 11 a.m.
The commemoration will take place at noon on the Kent State Commons, with remarks from university students and administrators, the ringing of the Victory Bell, and a moment of silence at 12:24 p.m. The commemoration remembers those killed – Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer and William Schroeder – and those wounded – Alan Canfora, John Cleary, Thomas Grace, Dean Kahler, Joseph Lewis, Donald Mackenzie, James Russell, Robert Stamps and Douglas Wrentmore – on May 4, 1970.
Additional events and programs will be added in late March.