Summary
Alternative Name(s): Button
This badge was worn by the donor at anti-Vietnam War and anti-conscription rallies in the early 1970s. The slogan printed on the badge, 'Draft Beer NOT BOYS', was a common anti-Vietnam War slogan in Australia, and it was also used in the United States of America. It represents opposition to the National Service Act requiring two years full-time military service and possibly overseas service. The donor considers herself a social rather than a political activist. She was strongly opposed to the Vietnam War, and attended moratorium marches in Melbourne. According to the Australian War Memorial, Australia's military involvement in the Vietnam War was the longest of any war in Australia's history, lasting from August 1962 until May 1975. A total of 521 Australians died, of whom 200 were conscripted. Conscription caused vehement debate in the Australian community, with huge protest rallies in the capital cities. Conscription was abolished on 5 December 1972 by a new Labor government, led by Gough Whitlam.
Physical Description
This is a white clear covered badge with blue text, and a secure pin on the back.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
Public Life & Institutions, Clothing & Textiles, Politics & Society
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Senator Olive Zakharov, 07 May 1991
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Manufacturer
Unknown, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1970-1971
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User
Senator Olive Zakharov, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1970-1971
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Place & Date Used
Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1970
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Inscriptions
Printed on front in blue ink: Draft Beer/ NOT BOYS.
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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overall dimensions
4.5 cm (Length), 0.4 cm (Width)
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References
Grey, Jeffrey and Doyle, Jeff (1991) "Australia and the Vietnam War: A Select Bibliography," Vietnam Generation: Vol. 3 : No. 2 , Article 11. Available at: [Link 1] Edwards, Peter (2014) Australia and the Vietnam War. Sydney, NewSouth Publishing.
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Keywords
Alcohol, Anti-Conscription Campaigns, Conscription, Vietnam Moratorium, Vietnam War, 1959-1975, Wars & Conflicts, Draft Resistance, Youth, Anti-War Demonstrations