Remarks as Prepared for Delivery for
The Honorable Dirk Kempthorne,
Secretary of the Interior
Vietnam Veterans Memorial 25th Anniversary
Washington, D.C.
November 11, 2007
On this 25th Anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, we honor those who fought to defend liberty and promote democracy in Southeast Asia – especially those whose names are inscribed here on the black marble of The Wall.
History recalls the Vietnam War as a difficult time in our country’s history, but such recollection does not account for the souls of those who served our nation. But these brave soldiers are heroes of our country as much as any who ever wore a uniform. Thanks to this memorial, visited by nearly four million people a year, their courage and sacrifice is remembered forever.
Perhaps more than any memorial in Washington, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a living memorial. On any day, you find at the base of the wall a letter. A flower. A medal. A photograph. A ribbon. A Purple Heart.
Americans have left more than 100,000 items at the memorial in the past quarter century. Each reminds us that the names inscribed on The Wall were someone’s son or daughter, mother or father, brother or sister, dear friend or comrade. Each one reminds us of the sacrifice that was paid.
So let us remember today that while America experienced the Summer of Love in 1967, there were heroes whose names are written on this wall who fought through the horrific carnage of the battle of Dak To.
Let us remember today that when hundreds of thousands listened to music in the rain and mud of Woodstock, there were heroes who slogged through the rain and mud of the Mekong Delta.
Let us remember today that while America sought “peace with honor,” there were heroes who suffered imprisonment and torture at the Hanoi Hilton.
Let us remember there are still heroes . . . Missing In Action.
Let us also honor all who came home from the war.
Many veterans who returned from Vietnam did not receive a heroes’ welcome. They did not receive even the gratitude of our nation.
I believe that one of the greatest legacies of Vietnam veterans is, that you taught us forever, how to properly welcome home our troops. This may be one of the greatest gifts ever given to this nation, a gift too many Vietnam veterans never received. To those here who were not thanked when you came home, let me thank you and welcome you home on behalf of a grateful nation.
Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, who answer the call of duty and follow their orders, always deserve a hero’s welcome home.
When I was governor of Idaho, and Commander-In-Chief of the Idaho National Guard, I attended the funerals for the soldiers from Idaho who had given their lives for their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. At every funeral I attended, without exception, a group of Vietnam veterans came to pay their respects and comfort the family of the fallen.
This Memorial stands beside the Lincoln Memorial, which is called a temple of democracy. Carved in it are immortal words by Abraham Lincoln, including the words . . .
“the last full measure of devotion.”
All whose names are inscribed here gave the last full measure of devotion to their country. And the devotion shown by all of you who are here today, or who look out for your fellow veterans, continue a measure of devotion that is full and forever.
The courage, bravery, camaraderie and honor of all who served in Vietnam is in keeping with the rich tradition of those who gave their blood when this nation was founded,
and those who will continue to sacrifice in the future,
when our freedom is challenged.
As a citizen who has children who live in freedom, I thank every Vietnam veteran and your comrades,
- for your devotion to duty;
- your devotion to America; and
- your devotion to the ideal, that in the end, good does prevail.
On this Veterans Day, may we rededicate ourselves to the sacred cause of liberty and justice for which these brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines fought and died.
On this 25th Anniversary of this great memorial, let it be known that brave Americans will continue to stand – as you did in Vietnam – with those around the world who dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Finally, let us never forget that America is the home of the free only because, it is the home of the brave.
Welcome home.