We The People: This Day in History, October 21
First national protest against the Vietnam War
Published: Oct. 21, 2025 at 8:07 AM CDT
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KWTX) - On October 21, 1967, a full-scale riot erupted in Washington, DC after a group of Vietnam War protesters breached the Pentagon.
At 6:00 p.m., 35,000 protesters marched from the Lincoln Memorial to the Pentagon.
A small group then scaled the walls, forcing their way into the building.
300 U.S. Marshals clashed with protesters as the riot continued throughout the night, resulting in 682 people being arrested.
The riot was the first national protest against the Vietnam War.
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