I agree about the Vietnam war being the only national news that hit home.  Otherwise the early to mid 60's were still untouched on the farm by the social revolutions that were developing in the burbs.

We felt safe because we were safe.  Theft, vandalism, and other personal crimes were the exception.  I grew up playing on the streets and county roads without fear or concern.  Today we constantly read of the horrible incidents people have suffered that would have never been thought of when I was growing up.