What is a draft card in Vietnam War?

The Viet Nam era draft card is also known by its legal description, the status card. The draft card was an aspect of the Selective Service Act, the federal legislation that legalized the conscription of eligible males into the American armed services during the Viet Nam war (1962–1973).

Did people burn draft cards during the Vietnam War?

Draft-card burning was a symbol of protest performed by thousands of young men in the United States and Australia in the 1960s and early 1970s. The first draft-card burners were American men taking part in the opposition to United States involvement in the Vietnam War.

Is destroying a draft card illegal?

Furthermore, after Congress adopted the Draft Card Mutilation Act of 1965 to promote the efficient operation of the Selective Service System and preempt venues of resistance, it became a criminal offense knowingly to destroy or mutilate one’s draft card.

Does everyone get a draft card?

Under the law, virtually all male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the U.S., who are ages 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service.

What was a draft card?

(drɑːft kɑːd ) noun. military, US. the card issued to men who registered for the draft.

What was the punishment for burning a draft card?

In 1965 Congress passed an amendment to the Selective Service Act criminalizing the destruction or mutilation of draft cards. Penalties included fines up to $10,000 and five years in prison.

Who refused the draft?

Clip: Episode 2 | 6m 15s | Prior to his match against Foley, Ali received news he had been drafted to fight in Vietnam. When Ali arrived to be inducted in the United States Armed Forces, however, he refused, citing his religion forbade him from serving.

Do draft cards still exist?

No, but Registration Acknowledgement cards are. The last time a man was drafted was in 1973. It would require an act of Congress to reinstate the draft. Most Americans over the age of 30 remember the “draft card” which Selective Service issued to each man at the time he registered.

What happens if you lose your draft card?

If you’ve lost your registration card, use the letter that came with it to show proof of registration. You can get a copy of the letter by completing this Verify Registration form.