Exhibit Marks 50th Anniversary of Iconic Year in U.S. History, “1969”

What:             

Official opening of 1969, a new exhibit which explores the end of one of the most iconic and turbulent decades in United States’ history.  From war to Woodstock, from Sesame Street to the moon—1969 was a year where events across the country shaped our culture. The exhibition brings visitors on a journey back in time— depicting major events happening both in Vietnam and in America. 

Visuals and sound:

Powerful imagery, archival footage, and artifacts on loan from a selection of institutions and private lenders, Special “listening” stations let visitors hear short stories recounted by veterans from New York, who share their 1969 experience in Vietnam. 

Where:           

Robert Abrams Justice Building’s Vietnam Memorial Gallery at the Empire State Plaza

When:            

Wednesday, May 8

1:00 p.m.

Who: 

RoAnn Destito - OGS Commissioner

Jim McDonough - Director, New York State Division of Veterans Services

Nicholas C. Valenti -  CPL., USMC  Served with the 3^rd Battalion, 9^th Marines, 3^rd Marine Division in the Coastal Waters of the Republic of Vietnam. Currently representing Central New York’s 9 Vietnam Veteran Chapters as the New York State’s Central District Director.

Also:

There will be an opening reception that is free and open to the public on Wednesday, May 8, 5:30pm to 7:00pm in the lobby of the Vietnam Memorial Gallery.  The event will feature special remarks by the Director of NYS Division of Veterans Services, Jim McDonough, and NYS Assembly Sargent at Arms Wayne Jackson, a veteran of the Vietnam War.