Just a Thought: Flashback to the “60’s”
By Steve Walker
Walker is a Vietnam Veteran, former Judge and Journalist
The 60’s were special days and not so special days for
me as I was growing up thinking “I am all that and a bag of potato chips!” Proud
and probably arrogant as well, in 1968 I first heard the phrase, “I am
Somebody”
It was spoken by Civil Rights activist, the Reverend
Jesse Jackson who I came to appreciate his stance and his boldness on treating
everyone the same over the years.
In 1969 I was sent a draft notice drafting me into the
Marine’s, but since I had already signed papers the day before assigning me to
the Army, I did not have to go in as a Marine. When I finished basic training
at Fort Ord, California as a clerk, I was assigned to Viet Nam as the Mail Man
delivering “Dear John,” letters. Who knew?
Back in 1963 President John Kennedy was shot and
killed in Dallas by Lee Harvey Oswald, when I was getting prepared to graduate
as a senior, in high school in New York State. Can you say Niskayuna High
School? They showed his assassination live on TV, in black and white, and that too
was something I will always remember.
In 1964 I was accepted as a freshman at Texas Wesleyan
College in Fort Worth. Memories of my time there are still vivid as well as I
reminisce in my free time about those memories. That was the year also that Republican
nominee Barry Goldwater ran for president and I actually got to shake his hand
as he was leaving Fort Worth to attend another political function. I couldn’t
vote for him since I was not yet old enough to vote.
My five years in college, (took an extra year) were
very productive. I was a college cheerleader my junior year, a member of a
fraternity, (Sakkara) and drama club where I performed on stage in
Shakespearean plays. I was named “Ugliest Man on Campus” raising money for the
athletic scholarships and voted “Most likely to Succeed.” (Mister T.W.C.)
In Viet Nam in 1968, numerous American soldiers were
killed during the massive “Tet Offensive.” Fortunately, I didn’t arrive until
1970. However Dr. Roberto Jimenez who still practices medicine here in San
Antonio was in Phu Bai, Viet Nam in 68 as a combat medic. I was in Phu Bai in
70-71.
On a lighter note, we have the music throughout the
sixties or as I recall, Motown, like my favorite group the Temptations. Hits
like “To Proud to Beg,” “Papa was a rolling Stone,” “My Girl,” and the
Stylistics, “You make me feel so brand new,” and the Spinners, Working my way
back to you.”
Many older people like myself, also considered the
sixties as a unclear uncertain time what with political chaos, assassinations,
and disruptions. The decade was
different to say the least as an unprecedented time. Remember that President
John Kennedy became the President in 1960 and killed in 63.
Fast forward to HemisFair 1968, that was held in San
Antonio from April-October with the theme, “The Confluence of Civilizations in the Americas” celebrating the many
nations which settled the region. The fair was held in 1968 to coincide with the 250th
anniversary of the founding of San Antonio in 1718. More than thirty nations
and fifteen corporations hosted Pavilions at the fair.
From my perspective as stated, there were special days and not so special days in 1968. Only the reader can make that call.
And as always, I write “Just a Thought.”
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