KEMPTHORNE INVITES VETERANS TO HELP
HONOR THE "IDAHO PLATOON"
Monday, August 4 ceremony to honor Vietnam-era Idaho fighting unit

(BOISE) It was August 1968. Young Americans were gathering to protest the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. A crowd gathered on the steps of the Idaho Statehouse. But this crowd assembled for a different reason: Patriotism and a sense of duty.

That day, 80 Idahoans raised their hands and recited the Oath of Military Service. This group ultimately became United States Marines and formed the first all-Idaho platoon in state history.

Now in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of that historic event, Governor Dirk Kempthorne is inviting Vietnam veterans, veterans from other eras and active duty military personnel to attend a ceremony in front of the Idaho Statehouse on Monday, August 4 at 10:00 am to officially welcome home all who served in Southeast Asia.

"35 years ago, those young men pledged to defend this country and went to war to protect our freedoms," Governor Kempthorne said. "Unfortunately, after they returned from Vietnam, instead of receiving the thanks of a grateful nation, they received scorn and criticism. It's time we correct that, and I hope Idahoans join me at the Statehouse to properly welcome home the Idaho Platoon and those who served in Vietnam."

The 10:00 am ceremony will feature the 25th Army Band, a proclamation and address by Governor Kempthorne and comments from a member of the Idaho Platoon. More than 25 of the original 80 are expected to attend. The event will also feature an Army National Guard Apache helicopter fly-by.

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EDITORS NOTE: Reporters can contact these former members of the Idaho Platoon for information in advance of the event: John Doyle of Pocatello at 705-8310; Mike Bernard of Boise at 336-1156; or Perry (Pat) McCormack of Melba at 495-2008