A group of California-based Vietnam veterans is protesting UCLA's selection of actress Jane Fonda as the graduation speaker for the university's School of Theater, Film and Television.
The group's "Vets Boycotting Hanoi Jane Fonda" Facebook page has garnered more than 42,000 likes. According to National Review Online, was created by Nick Callas, president of the Santa Clarita chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America.
The protesting vets say they cannot forgive Fonda for her anti-Vietnam War activities in 1972 that included traveling to Hanoi, where she was photographed laughing and clapping with North Vietnamese troops.
John Crooker of the California State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America explained to Fox News:
"She was young and stupid, but that's no excuse. I don't know of any Vietnam veterans who have anything good to say about her."
According to Snopes.com, Fonda has apologized for her behavior in North Vietnam numerous times, saying in 2000:
"I will go to my grave regretting the photograph of me in an anti-aircraft carrier, which looks like I was trying to shoot at American planes. It hurt so many soldiers. It galvanized such hostility. It was the most horrible thing I could possibly have done. It was just thoughtless."
And in 2005:
"It was like I was thumbing my nose at the military. And at the country that gave me privilege. It was the largest lapse of judgment that I can even imagine. I don't thumb my nose at this country. I care deeply about American soldiers."
Fonda is scheduled to give her commencement speech on June 13.
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