#TBT: Panel 44 from Vietnam Veterans Memorial installed at LBJ Presidential Library

A new addition to the offers a profound reflection on the Vietnam War: Panel 44 from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Now installed near the entrance of the library's exhibit, "Ain't No Daylight in Vietnam: March 1968," the 77-inch tall, 40-inch wide, 900-pound black granite panel serves as a powerful symbol of sacrifice and history.

Though almost flawless, the panel was initially set aside due to a minor crack in its upper corner.

"It's a very moving, powerful piece of American life," said former director of the LBJ Library Mark Lawrence.

Panel 44 lists the names of 335 service members killed or missing between March 9 and March 16, 1968—one of the most violent weeks of the war.

These individuals came from 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, representing all military branches. Among them are 27 Texans.

This new exhibit, the only permanent installation of a Vietnam War Memorial panel outside Washington, D.C., connects visitors to the complexities of the war and its impact on President Lyndon B. Johnson's legacy.

March 1968 marked a turning point when Johnson reassessed the U.S. role in Vietnam and made the surprising decision to step away from the 1968 election.

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"I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president," Johnson famously announced.

The exhibit highlights the turmoil of the era, from intense battles overseas to growing public discontent at home.

In a defining editorial, CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite reflected on the war, stating, "The only rational way out will be to negotiate, not as victors, but as an honorable people who did their best to defend democracy." He urged the government to pursue negotiations, calling the conflict a stalemate.

Johnson reportedly responded, "If I've lost Cronkite, I've lost Middle America," soon after, he announced he would not seek reelection.

The "Ain't No Daylight in Vietnam" temporary exhibit offers a deeply personal perspective on the conflict.

It features photographs, letters, and firsthand accounts from soldiers and civilians.

Curator Lara Hall explains: "By focusing on this specific month, we aim to provide a unique perspective on the Vietnam War, shedding light on the complexities and human experiences behind the historical events."

Panel 44 now provides a quiet space for reflection near the exhibit's entrance, giving visitors—especially veterans—a chance to connect with the stories and sacrifices etched into the stone.

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"Having this artifact here helps call attention to the importance of Vietnam in Johnson's legacy," Lawrence said. "I hope Vietnam veterans and others with memories of that era will find meaning in it."

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