General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Is there anyone on DU-3 who lived through Vietnam War Era..whose life was changed by the DraftWar? [View all]HeiressofBickworth
(2,682 posts)I married a guy who was already in the Air Force, stationed in Germany. Fortunately, he never was assigned to Vietnam. I was outspoken in my opposition to the war which caused problems with his family. His grandfather, who lost a leg in WW I, never spoke to me again.
My mother and brother were also anti-war (my sister was only 9 at the time). When my brother registered for the draft, he registered as a conscientious objector. He was denied because we were atheists. At that time, only 2 religions were recognized as CO's. Apparently the government believed atheists don't have a conscience. He appealed the ruling. His appeal was neither rejected nor approved, just ignored. My mother, brother and sister moved to Australia. According to the rules of his appeal, he had to notify the draft board every 30 days of his whereabouts. He did so. He then received a draft notice. His attorney advised the draft board that according to their own rules, he couldn't be drafted because he had an appeal pending. Still no ruling on his appeal. When the draft lottery was instituted, his number ensured he would never be called up. There never was a ruling on his appeal. They still live in Australia.