Bed-in for Peace Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Vietnam War

Bed-In for Peace Day is observed on March 25 to recognize an innovative, nonviolent method of protesting conflicts. John Lennon and Yoko Ono were the first to utilize it 53 years ago. As honeymooners, this couple protested the Vietnam War using this method. It was their means of peacefully protesting war atrocities and promoting peace. This form of protest spawned many future demonstrations in which people would lie down in front of government institutions and refuse to get up until their demands were met.

The background of Bed-in for Peace Day

The Vietnam War is one of the most significant incidents of the latter half of the twentieth century. Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARV) and People’s Army of Vietnam fought in the conflict. (P.A.V.N.). The Cold War began in the 1950s, and the United States decided to support the Army of the Republic of Vietnam in South Vietnam. The war was catastrophic. Approximately 2,100 soldiers from the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, 1,100 soldiers from the United States military, and 14,000 civilians were slain in the first month of operation.

In the United States, many opposed the involvement of American troops in the Vietnam War. Numerous notable figures joined the protest. Muhammad Ali, the heavyweight champion, refused to join the army and was consequently deprived of his title and boxing license.

John Lennon, a former member of the Beatles, and his wife Yoko participated in the protest in 1969. During their honeymoon, the couple decided to reserve the presidential suite at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel and to hold a press conference in their bedroom. The couple spoke of harmony and held up signs advocating for it. This type of demonstration became known as the Bed-In protest. It became immensely renowned in popular culture as well. Posters featuring musicians and bands such as Linkin Park and Green Day were distributed. Popular posters included “Make Love, Not War.”

Tet Holiday 2023 Vietnam: Date, History, Interesting Facts

5 FACTS ABOUT VIETNAM WAR

In addition to the major combatants, countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea participated in the conflict.

It is believed that President Nixon’s strategies were instrumental in bringing an end to the conflict.

There have been reports of people using superglue to halt bleeding and Slinkys as antenna extensions.

As a result of Daniel Ellsberg’s leaking of the Pentagon Papers, the public became aware of the actual situation at the vanguard of the conflict.

Approximately sixty percent of U.S. combatants at the time were volunteers.

BED-IN FOR PEACE DAY DATES