Wednesday, May 8, 2019

'1969' Exhibit on Display at Empire State Plaza's Vietnam Memorial Gallery



Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced the opening of the exhibition "1969," which explores the end of one of the most iconic and turbulent decades in United States' history. Located at the Robert Abrams Justice Building's Vietnam Memorial Gallery at Empire State Plaza in Albany, the exhibition will be on display through December 2019.

"The 1960s brought our nation exceptional milestones for science, social progress and pop culture, even as many Americans coped with the ravages of war and social unrest," Governor Cuomo said. "This new exhibition at the Vietnam Memorial Gallery celebrates New York's contributions in this time period while honoring the Vietnam War veterans who served and died for this country."

Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said, "We are proud to focus on the 50th anniversary of such a pivotal year—both in Vietnam and in New York State. Many important events occurred during this year and we are pleased to share them with those who visit our Vietnam Gallery. The Gallery was created to foster increased public understanding and discussion of the Vietnam War and its aftermath. This exhibition recounts the role New York played in this important year and how its activities continue to resonate in America today."

Jim McDonough, Director of the New York State Division of Veterans Services, said, "This exhibition highlights an important part of our past as a nation and includes the great sacrifices made by our men and women who served in and during Vietnam. To hear these men and women recount their experiences first hand is both powerful and moving. Exhibits like this remind us of our solemn obligation to honor our veterans and their families who, in some cases, have contributed their very lives in service to our nation."

1969 was a year of seminal events that became ingrained in the heart and soul of America. From the Vietnam War to Woodstock and from the initial television airing of Sesame Street to the inaugural manned moon landing, it was a year where events across the country shaped our culture. It was a time in our history when our nation was full of polarized ideologies, emotions, and reactions.  As a new president took office with a new foreign policy strategy, the Vietnam War was first televised to living rooms across the country, inspiring a range of reactions and responses.

Click here for the full announcement.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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