RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
A Texas tradition that has included Randolph Air Force Base in a prominent role for the past 15 years continues Aug. 27 at one of the state's most iconic homesteads.
On that day, Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, 12th Flying Training Wing commander, will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesite of President Lyndon B. Johnson in the cemetery of his family's Hill Country ranch.
The annual ceremony, conducted at what is now the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, commemorates the birthday of the nation's 36th president and celebrates his legacy, which included passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. President Johnson was born Aug. 27, 1908, near Johnson City and died Jan. 22, 1973, at the LBJ Ranch 14 miles to the west.
"It's a privilege to take part in the event," said Susan Gandy, 12th FTW Public Affairs Civic Outreach chief. "As the base closest to President Johnson's home, we are the official representative of the White House at the ceremony."
Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin served as the White House representative at the event from 1973 to 1993, when its closure shifted the honor to Randolph.
Last year's ceremony recognized the 100th anniversary of President Johnson's birth. One of the highlights was the opening of the late president's famed Texas White House and LBJ Ranch airplane hangar to the public for the first time. Visitors were able to see the newly restored presidential office in the Texas White House and the hangar that was the site of presidential press conferences and Johnson family gatherings.
This year's ceremony marks a change in tradition as the National Park Service takes over the event at the request of the Johnson family. In the past, the ceremony was a joint effort of the family and the park service.
"The Johnson family decided it was time to pass the torch to the National Park Service," said Cynthia Dorminey, LBJ National Park park ranger.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. with the wreath-laying ceremony and commemorative program that will feature Colonel Van Ovost and Gus Sanchez, chief of interpretation at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.
Following the ceremony, visitors will be able to tour President Johnson's birthplace, a reconstruction of the original house, and see a presentation by LBJ impersonator Michael Stuart.
They can also view the Texas White House and the hangar, which now includes a civil rights exhibit. Two newly renovated rooms at the Texas White House, the living room and dining room, also will be featured in the tour.