August 27th, 2008 marks the 100th birthday of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Since his death on January 22nd, 1973 an annual wreath laying ceremony has taken place at his grave site on the LBJ Ranch. It will take place at 10:30 A.M. kicking off a day’s worth of activities highlighted by the first ever opening of LBJ’s Texas White House Office now restored to the 1963-1968 time period. The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park will distribute free tickets at the airplane hangar on the ranch for the 20 minute guided tours of the newly opened office including the grounds of the ranch. Also for the first time ever private vehicles will be permitted to drive on to the ranch. Obtain a free driving permit at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site Visitor Center across the Pedernales River. You will receive a map and audio CD for your own self-guided tour. This is a test program until September 30, 2008 at which time National Park Service bus tours will resume. LBJ died at the age of 64 after a 3rd heart attack. In his will he left his ranch to the public with the provision that it remain a working ranch. August 27th is a legal Texas State Holiday.
