Today in 1971: In the final event of Operation Dewey Canyon Three, nearly one thousand Vietnam War veterans return their combat medals to the government. The men have planned to return the medals in body bags, but authorities have erected a fence around the Capitol building.

So the veterans throw the medals over the fence. Some of the men, before tossing their medals, dedicate them to comrades – both American and Vietnamese – who have died in battle.

It’s Today’s Action Calendar!

Saturday, Busking for Books brings two dozen bands playing free music from 1 to 3pm on every corner of State Street. Local musicians will perform to raise money for Literacy Network, a non-profit in Madison that offers free classes and tutors to low-literate adults in Dane County. For more info, visit litnetwork.org.

The Bob Storck Memorial Adult Rowing Scholarship is offered by the Mendota Rowing Club, a non-profit that provides opportunities to rowers of all abilities in the greater Madison community. The recipient will receive a free, four-week Learn to Row class and a Novice Membership for the remainder of the 2014-15 rowing season. To apply, compose a short essay, 500 words or less, about why you want to learn to row and what you think you can contribute to the rowing community. Email it to info@mendotarowingclub.com. The deadline is May 15th. More info at mendotarowingclub.com

This weekend, George Dreckmann, Recycling Coordinator for the City of Madison, will teach two free Home Composting classes: Saturday at Meadowridge Library, 5740 Raymond Road, and Sunday at Central Library, 201 West Mifflin. Both are at 2pm. For more info, call at 608-267-2626.