Lyndon Johnson 1966 Typed Letter Signed as President To Chairman of Joint Chiefs

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Lyndon Johnson 1966 Typed Letter Signed as President To Chairman of Joint Chiefs:
$3250.00

Unable to attend the annual Memorial Day services at Arlington National Cemetery, President Johnson tasks General Earle G. Wheeler to “be present as my personal representative”

36th President.

The G. A. R. Memorial Committee has invited me to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and to be the principal speaker at the annual Memorial Day services at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 30. While I regret that my schedule will prevent my personal participation, I am most pleased to know that you will be present as my personal representative.It is fitting and proper that we set aside this day to pay special tribute to those men and women who have given their lives in the service of our Nation. It is particularly proper for us to remember the sacrifices now being made in war-torn Vietnam. Even as we are indebted to those heroes of the past, we are also indebted to our soldiers in Vietnam and around the world who are steadfast in their determination to uphold the rights and dignity of man.As we pause this day to salute our honored dead, I urge each citizen of our land to ask God's blessing on those who have given and are giving their lives for this Nation. May God favor our own efforts to bring justice and peace to this troubled world.A distinguished group of men from the civilian and military leadership of our country have represented the President at Arlington on Memorial Day when it has been impossible for the President to be present. I am pleased that you have consented to add your name to this distinguished list. As you address our fellow citizens in the Amphitheater, please express my sentiments and my deep respect to those who gather with you in this worthy tribute.

In very good to fine condition, with light edge toning, and a few small stains.

Of note, LBJ did indeed speak at Arlington on May 30, 1966. The President spoke at 11:18 a.m. in the Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. His opening remarks referred to Robert F. Sutphin, President of the Memorial Day Corporation of the Grand Army of the Republic, Lt. Col. James A. Connett, Post Chaplain at Fort Myer, Va., Gen. Earle G. Wheeler, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Maj. Gen. C. J. Herrick, Commanding General, Military District of Washington.President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed General Wheeler as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to succeed General Maxwell Taylor, a promotion deemed controversial by some, including Air Force Chief of Staff General Curtis LeMay, who believed that Wheeler was given preferential treatment over the heads of officers with more combat experience. Wheeler's tenure as the nation's top military officer spanned the height of America's involvement in the Vietnam War, and he remains the longest-serving Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to date, serving six years. Upon his retirement, he was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and was the first recipient of that decoration.

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