She was a journalist, interested and active in civil rights, education, and beauty. I share her interests. We remember when Lady Bird was the First Lady, and that time of the horrible war. During that time, she still focused domestically. Her husband credited her with the Department of the Interior Appropriations bill he signed in 1968, which helped preserve and beautify our country. Lady Bird strongly supported historic civil rights legislation, and was instrumental in beginning the Head Start Program. She is credited with changing the First Lady role toward action, making the Johnson administration the most active in conservation since Teddy Roosevelt. She was our Environmental First Lady.
Back in Texas, she focused her efforts on beauty. She and friend Helen Hayes , who was a First Lady in her own industry -- the American Theater -- created a wildflower research center. The center was named in her honor in 1997, The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
A popular and populous Texas wildflower,
the Indian Blanket, photographed by Garry Jenkin.
I have always admired Lady Bird Johnson. She was a strong Texas woman, and always a true lady. She will be missed.
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1 comment:
Hey Vicki,
Thanks for the tribute to Lady Bird. I can still hear her saying, " . . . and remember to plant a tree, a bush, or a shrub," in her wonderful Texas accent.
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