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Today in History: First Draft-Card Burning Arrest at NYC Rally

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 10:34 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

At a New York City anti-Vietnam rally in May 1964, activist David J. Miller set fire to his draft card, becoming the first person arrested under the 1948 Selective Service Act’s new amendment criminalizing such acts. His arrest marked the start of widespread draft-card burnings that symbolized the growing anti-war movement.

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Story summary

At a New York City anti-Vietnam rally in May 1964, activist David J. Miller set fire to his draft card, becoming the first person arrested under the 1948 Selective Service Act’s new amendment criminalizing such acts. His arrest marked the start of widespread draft-card burnings that symbolized the growing anti-war movement.