JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
The National Park Service and the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park hosted a wreath-laying ceremony on Aug. 27, in honor of Former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s birthday, to reflect on his impact on our country. Due to recent weather conditions this year, the event was held at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Visitor Center and park headquarters in Johnson City, Texas.
“Lady Bird Johnson started the wreath-laying ceremony in August 1973, just months after Johnson’s passing on Jan. 22, 1973,” said Cynthia Dorminey, National Park Service park ranger.
“Mrs. Johnson had what she called a ‘front row seat’ during her husband’s presidency,” Dorminey continued. “She was keenly aware of their place in history and the long-lasting impact of the legislation that President Johnson signed into law.”
As the only U.S. president born and raised in Texas, Johnson passed policies in office that paved the way for diversity in the workplace, social security programs, and education reform.
Col. Will Freds, deputy commander of Joint Base San Antonio and the 502nd Air Base Wing, attended the ceremony and provided formal remarks.
“Thank you to the Johnson family, friends, and the National Park Service for this opportunity to be a part of today’s celebration as we recognize and honor the 116th birthday of former President Lyndon B. Johnson and reflect on the enduring legacy he left behind,” Freds said.
“President Johnson once said, ‘There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves.’ This indomitable spirit of community and humble acknowledgment that ‘we are more than I’ gets right at the heart of American achievement. I can say for certain that America’s soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, guardians, and guardsmen live this quote daily and have made teamwork a way of life in what we do each and every day,” Freds noted.
Freds highlighted Johnson’s commitment to uniting our country to resolve complex challenges. He also expressed Johnson’s love for the people and his dedication to enhancing the American quality of life. The programs, policies, and legislation Johnson championed continue to inspire the values we hold dear in our military.
Freds recognized JBSA’s current team of professionals, community partners, and military leaders, regardless of uniform, who are tackling initiatives to improve the quality of life for service members and their families at JBSA. These initiatives focus on childcare, education, healthcare, housing, and spouse employment.
“Through educational support, training, and networking, we aim to create fulfilling careers for those transitioning out of the military — an undertaking that continues Johnson’s vision and promotes the prosperity he envisioned for all Americans, reaffirming his belief that truly, there are no problems we cannot solve together,” Freds said.
Shelton Coleman, Johnson City council member, former board member of Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson, and family friend of Johnson, also provided comments and shared childhood memories of former President Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees were left with a renewed appreciation for Johnson’s vision of unity and progress — ideals that continue to resonate in today’s military community and beyond. The annual wreath-laying tradition, now in its fifth decade, stands as a testament to the lasting impact of Johnson’s presidency on the fabric of American life.