Thousands march on the Pentagon to protest the Vietnam War

On October 21, 1967, approximately 35,000 antiwar demonstrators gathered at the Pentagon during the March on the Pentagon, organized by the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam. The gathering became one of the most widely recognized demonstrations against American participation in the conflict. Approximately 2,500 armed soldiers were deployed to maintain security as protesters approached the military headquarters. During the event, photographer Bernie Boston captured an image of protester George Harris placing carnations into soldiers' rifle barrels, a photograph that became closely associated with the antiwar movement. The demonstration also included a symbolic attempt to exorcise the building, reflecting the theatrical methods adopted by some activist groups. The march established the Pentagon as a major location for public demonstrations concerning United States foreign policy and military intervention.