The basement lounge in Farr Hall at IIT in Chicago was dark and damp due to the 3 washing machines and inadequate dryers. Seldom did you run into a dorm mate watching the small black and white TV suspended from the ceiling.

On December 1, 1969, the entire dorm was staring at it. We were gathered to witness the U.S. Selective Service System’s live TV and radio broadcast of the Vietnam War lottery drawing. The results of which would have lasting, even devastating effect on a few of us.

Three hundred and sixty-six blue plastic balls containing the birthdates would be randomly selected to determine in what order you would be drafted to serve in the unpopular war.

The 1^st date drawn was September 14. I was sitting behind a friend and 4^th year architecture student, Steve. Born on September 14, he quickly stood, turned around and said, “Well, I guess I’ll be seeing you all later. Oh Canada.” Steve left the room and was neither seen nor heard from again.  

January 29, my birthday, was drawn 349^th relieving me of any fear of being drafted. I could go on with my studies, plan on an after-school job and when convenient continue to protest  with some sense of guilt.