At the LBJ Presidential Library, a significant artifact from the Vietnam War now stands as a somber reminder of the conflict's toll. Panel 44 from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the only such panel on permanent display outside of Washington, D.C., has been installed at the Austin facility, as per the Austin American Statesman. It's a stark addition to the library's exhibit space, showcasing the names of 335 service members who were killed or went missing between March 9 and March 16, 1968, a notably brutal week during the war.
The panel itself, made from black granite sourced from Bangalore, India, and weighing in at a hefty 900 pounds, captures the attention with its poignant, etched roll call of the fallen. As reported by Austin American Statesman, this particular piece was chosen due to a small imperfection. Nonetheless, it carries the full weight of memorialization just as effectively as its counterparts in the nation's capital.
The library's "Ain’t No Daylight in Vietnam: March 1968" exhibit delves into the period's harrowing legacy, including the impact it had on U.S. policy and President Lyndon B. Johnson's eventual step back from the 1968 election. In a statement obtained by CBS Austin, Panel 44 now offers a tranquil space for reflection near the exhibit’s entrance, allowing visitors—particularly veterans—to connect with the stories and sacrifices memorialized in the stone.
