Understanding the Vietnam War - Part 4 - Conscientious Objector

In continuation of his December 2025 library series, Understanding the Vietnam War, presenter Michael Rivest returns with Steve Trimm, a local conscientious objector whose actions were discussed in the Albany-area news at the time.

Description below provided by Michael Rivest, who wrote about Steve Trimm for the Times Union in 2025.

Steve Trimm. Say his name to any Capital Region man who came of age in the late 60s, and odds are, he’ll remember. We were all watching, wondering what will become of a local draftee whose conscience prevented him from serving during the Vietnam War. In those unsettled pre-lottery days, many were eager to go. Others used any available strategy to evade the draft: a college deferment, or perhaps a family-friend physician willing to check the right box. But a few, a precious few, simply stood and said out loud what many were thinking: "No," just…no. That was Steve. He became a hero to many, and to those who didn’t want to look deeper, a coward. In January 1969, he was sentenced to four years in a federal prison for draft evasion and, as a result, began a painful journey as a fugitive. Steve Trimm’s story is one of principle and courage in a troubled time.

This session will be presented by Michael Rivest, Adjunct Professor at Hudson Valley Community College, and formerly, The College of Saint Rose.

No registration required.