By WKTV Staff
Casting Light: Photographs of the Vietnam War, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum’s latest showcase exhibition, captures the realities of one of the most turbulent periods in American history.
Open to the public since April 21, the exhibition features iconic and thought-provoking images taken by photojournalists and military photographers.
Through the lens of those who witnessed it firsthand, Casting Light brings to life the experiences of those who served, protested, and endured the consequences of the Vietnam War. Among those photojournalists was President Ford’s White House photographer, David Hume Kennerly, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his efforts in 1972.
“This exhibit is an opportunity to reflect on a pivotal era in our nation’s history,” said Brooke Clement, Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. “President Ford played a crucial role in the final chapter of the war and managing the aftermath.
“Through these photographs, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the War’s impact.”
A comprehensive and powerful firsthand look
The showcase exhibit is composed of free-standing text panels and iconic photographs that provide a moving, intimate and powerful look at the Vietnam War. A comprehensive examination of the conflict, the photographs capture how presidents grappled with the reality of war as they made executive decisions, soldiers on the ground in Vietnam and the American public’s changing responses to the conflict as they processed the war at home.
During the conflict, the U.S. military allowed more documentation than ever before, including by the military’s own photographers and videographers. Thousands of images were captured.
These journalists, photographers, and film crews had considerable access to ground soldiers, officers, and battlefields. These firsthand accounts in turn influenced public opinion.
Images of the conflict far from home appeared on the front pages of newspapers, magazine covers and television screens across the country, underscoring its human toll. Dubbed “The Living Room War,” Americans back home watched the fighting unfold on their television screens.
Casting Light: Photographs of the Vietnam War will be on display through Dec. 14. More exhibit information can be found here.
Additional free programs
In conjunction with the exhibition, the Ford Museum invites the public to attend a series of free programs exploring key themes surrounding the Vietnam War, including the challenges faced by Vietnamese refugees, the continued aftershocks and the lasting impact of the War on American society.
A full schedule of programs and registration details can be found here.
