Dirk Kempthorne
GOVERNOR
Remarks for 35th Anniversary of All-Idaho Platoon
Idaho State Capitol Steps
August 4, 2003
(as prepared)
Thirty five years ago, this nation found itself in the midst of war. And while some say that the Vietnam War was a long time ago, for many standing here, the memory is still fresh.
That was a difficult time for our nation. As hundreds of thousands of American soldiers risked their lives overseas, other Americans staged anti-war protests. Some even marched on their respective state capitols in protest of the war.
On August 3, 1968, a group of 80 Idahoans gathered here on the steps of the statehouse – they raised their right hands on that day…not in protest, but in allegiance to the United States of America as they recited the Oath of Military Service.
This group of courageous and patriotic young men, went through basic training together and earned the right to be called United States Marines. They were the first all-Idaho platoon in U.S. history and they were the best of the best. In fact, the “boys from the Potato state” earned the title of “Honor Platoon.” That means that they were tested on drill, academics, inspection, marksmanship, and overall military proficiency. In competition with three other platoons, they were tops in every category.
After boot camp in San Diego, California, then Secretary of State, Pete Cennarrusa and Miss Idaho 1968, Karen Ryder, attended the graduation ceremonies of the Idaho Platoon.
While Pete is unable to be here today, he sends his warm regards.
We also invited Miss Idaho 1968, but unfortunately, Karen had a previous engagement…believe it or not, she’s riding her Harley on an extended road trip.
She asked me to convey how proud she was to support you 35 years ago…and how proud she is of all of you for having served.
The Idaho Platoon, like many other Idahoans who went to Vietnam, answered the call to duty with honor and conviction.
In the proud tradition of our founding fathers, the patriots who risked everything to form a new nation and bring liberty to all, American soldiers have always been willing to fight for freedom and to sacrifice their own lives if necessary to preserve our nation.
We owe so much to all of you who serve or have served in the Armed forces. You, our Veterans, have experienced, first hand, the scenes in American history that most can only imagine.
And yet, after Vietnam, our brave soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen…after having endured the horrors of war, were forced to endure the pains of ridicule…inflicted upon them by many of their own countrymen. The soldiers who had borne the battle did not return to the hero’s welcome that they deserved.
Today, we have gathered on this occasion of the 35th Anniversary of the Idaho Platoon, to commemorate their historic service. We also recognize and honor those 251 Idahoans and the more than 58,000 other Americans who lost their lives.
We come together as family and friends, as Veterans and as citizens, to give our thanks and to affirm that the memory of and deep appreciation for your service in Southeast Asia will not fade.
And, to leave no doubt, on behalf of the Citizens of Idaho, I am proud to officially welcome you home. It is 35 years overdue, but it is just important today as it was then.
I’d like to make one comment on the many Veterans who are here today. There is a camaraderie among Veterans that is special. And there is a deep love and respect for those who fought along side of you and whose blood was shed for the red, white and blue.
I think that special bond can be summed up in the immortal words of William Shakespeare from his play, “Henry the Fifth”:
“From this
day to the ending of the world...
We in it shall be remembered;
We few, we happy few,
We band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother.”
And so, today, we honor this band of brothers, and all the men and women who served in Vietnam for the cause of freedom.
And now, I’d like to introduce one of the members of the All-Idaho Platoon who will speak on behalf of all of the Veterans we honor. He was severely wounded in Vietnam, but by God’s grace, he returned to live a life of continued patriotic service. He has spoken at numerous events around the state and he is a great example of why we’re proud of our Veterans.
I’m pleased to introduce, James Mahan.
[Remarks of James Mahan]
[Remarks of Pat McCormack]
[Governor follows up with concluding thoughts]
And now, to make it official, I will sign this proclamation commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the All-Idaho Platoon…and officially welcoming you and all Vietnam Veterans home.
We are proud of you.