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Contact: Sherry Justus, 830-868-7128 ext 245
Stonewall, TX – Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park invites the public to return to the 1960s on Friday, April 16, when the "Reflections of the 60s" special event brings together people who experienced this turbulent decade first hand to share their stories and re-create the atmosphere of that electrifying time in U.S. history. The all-day event is free of charge and will be held on the LBJ Ranch, one mile east of Stonewall, off Ranch Road 1. The festivities begin with a welcome by national historical park Superintendent Russ Whitlock at 9:30 a.m. Following this kickoff, Allen B. Clark, author of Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior, will speak about his experiences as a Special Forces officer in Vietnam, as well as the aftermath of the conflict. Next on the program is Wilhelmina Delco, former Texas State Representative for District 50, who served as the first African-American legislator for that district. Ms. Delco has continued her public service as an advocate for equality and integrity in education throughout her life. Lunchtime includes 1960s music, classic cars and the announcement of winners of the 1960s fashion contest. Afterwards, Tom Striegler, a former field artillery officer in Vietnam, will speak about the background of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia and share memories of heroes he knew personally and describe his personal journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Mr. Striegler’s presentation is followed by "Lyndon B. Johnson," portrayed by Michael Stuart, who will conduct a mock 1960s press conference. This reenactment is based on the many press conferences President Johnson held in his airplane hangar on the ranch, now a visitor information and contact area. More 1960s music is on tap later in the afternoon when Brian Jepson, representing Austin’s premiere Beatles cover band, delivers his renditions of unforgettable Fab Four favorites. The day concludes with a movie screening of Forest Gump, starring Tom Hanks as a well-meaning, simple man who somehow amazingly comes into contact with some of the most noteworthy people of the 1960s, including Elvis Presley, Richard Nixon and Lyndon Johnson. The film will begin at 7:45 p.m. and is free of charge. For more information about the "Reflections of the 60s," please call visit www.nps.gov/lyjoor call (830) 868-7128, ext. 244 or 231. The LBJ Ranch is open to the public seven days a week (with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Days) from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. A free permit to drive onto the ranch is issued at LBJ State Park and Historic Site, one mile east of Stonewall off U.S. Highway 290. Tours of the Texas White House are offered from 10 am to 4:30 pm seven days a week. Tour tickets may be purchased in the airplane hangar visitor information center adjacent to the Texas White House. For more information about Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and some of its partners, including the Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Western National Parks Association, and LBJ State Park and Historic Site, visit the following web sites: www.nps.gov/lyjo; www.friendsoflbjnationalpark.org; www.wnpa.org; www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lyndon_b_johnson. |
Last updated: February 24, 2015