In his first week as President, Gerald R. Ford asked his Administration to review those who were convicted, charged, investigated or were still being sought as Vietnam War Era Draft Evaders or Military Deserters. President Ford wanted to give those individuals a “chance to earn their return to the mainstream of America society” and “bind up the nations wounds” with the Vietnam War over.

One month later, while believing penalties should fit the seriously of the individual’s offenses, President Ford created both a clemency board to review those previously found guilty and allowed for a 24 months alternate military service program for individuals to begin to bind up the nation’s wounds.

President Ford historic quote: ” I hope this is a constructive step toward a calmer and cooler appreciation of our individual rights and responsibilities”.

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