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Lyndon Baines Johnson Day – August 27, 2024

Lyndon Baines Johnson Day is held every year on August 27 to honor the birthday of this former President of the United States. Lyndon Baines Johnson, also sometimes known as L.B.J., was an American educator and politician who was the 36th President of the United States from 1963 to 1969, after previously serving as the 37th Vice President. Following his death in 1973, the Texas State Legislature established a legal state holiday to memorialize the 36th President of the United States and a native son of the state.

History of Lyndon Baines Johnson Day

On August 27, 1908, Lyndon Baines Johnson was born in Texas, a few miles from Johnson City, which his family helped establish. Before entering politics, Johnson worked as a high school teacher. On November 17, 1934, Johnson married Claudia Alta Taylor, also known as “Lady Bird.” The couple met after he had attended Georgetown University Law Center for several months, but he later quit in 1934 after the first semester. He had asked her to marry him on their first date. She refused but finally agreed. The couple had two daughters, Lynda Bird, born in 1944, and Luci Baines, born in 1947.

In 1937, he was elected to the House of Representatives. In the 1960 presidential election, Johnson ran for the Democratic candidacy but lost. Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts won the nomination and chose Johnson as his running mate. They went on to win the election, and on January 20, 1961, Johnson was inaugurated as Vice President. After John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Johnson became President.

In the 1964 election, Johnson ran for a full term and defeated Republican Arizona Senator Barry by a landslide. With 61% of the vote, Johnson was elected President. Johnson was sworn in as the 36th President of the United States to create “A Great Society” for the citizens of the United States.

In 1968, Johnson did not seek re-election after Senator Eugene McCarthy announced his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, a first for a party with a sitting president. Johnson made a television announcement shortly after that he would neither seek nor accept his party’s presidential candidacy.

Johnson died of a heart attack on January 22, 1973, at his Texas ranch. Following his death, the Texas State Legislature established August 27 as a legal state holiday to commemorate his legacy.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Day timeline

1908
A President is Born

Lyndon Baines Johnson is born in Texas, on August 27.

1937
House of Representatives

In 1937, Lyndon Johnson is elected to the House of Representatives.

1960
First Presidential Attempt

Lyndon Johnson runs for the Democratic candidacy for the presidency but loses.

1964
Electoral Landslide

In the 1964 presidential election, Johnson runs for a full term and defeats Republican Arizona Senator Barry by a landslide.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Day FAQs

Who was Lyndon Johnson's vice president?

Hubert Humphrey was a famous American politician.

At what age did president Johnson die?

From 1908 to 1973, he lived for 64 years.

What is President Johnson famous for?

Signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 influenced his civil rights legacy.

How to Observe Lyndon Baines Johnson Day

  1. Pay a visit to Texas

    The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Stonewall, Texas, is a fitting tribute to America's 36th president. The ranch, located one hour west of Austin, is where you can learn more about Johnson and tour his childhood home.

  2. Share a post on social media

    Make a social media post in LBJ's honor to commemorate the politician's birthday. Use suitable hashtags and share notable remarks from him.

  3. Learn more about LBJ

    To truly honor this political figure, you must first learn about him. Learn about Johnson's history and political achievements throughout his presidency.

5 Facts About Lyndon Baines Johnson

  1. First state of the union address

    Johnson vowed an "unconditional attack" on poverty in the United States in his first State of the Union address in 1964.

  2. Near-death experience

    Johnson's Senate career took off, but he nearly died in the process after suffering a serious heart attack in 1955.

  3. Anti-civil rights bill

    In his first 20 years as a legislator, Johnson voted against every civil rights bill.

  4. Four different prestigious positions

    Johnson was one of only four people in history to hold four different prestigious political positions.

  5. An emergency bathroom break saves a life

    During World War II, Johnson came dangerously close to being killed but was saved by a last-minute trip off the plane to use the restroom.

Why Lyndon Baines Johnson Day is Important

  1. He impacted U.S. political history

    Lyndon B. Johnson was a revolutionary who changed the role of government in the United States forever. Johnson removed the government from neutrality and turned it into a people's agent. An avalanche of laws was his legacy.

  2. It honors Johnson's legacy

    Lyndon B. Johnson Day commemorates his life and accomplishments. Today commemorates his humble beginnings, his political and legislative career to his dying moments.

  3. It honors America's democratic history

    In the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson Day is a historical occasion. As much as the day honors America's 36th president, it also honors the country's democratic history.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Day dates

YearDateDay
2024August 27Tuesday
2025August 27Wednesday
2026August 27Thursday
2027August 27Friday
2028August 27Sunday

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