6/30/2017
MEDIA ADVISORY: ITD to host unveiling of new highway signs July 3 to honor Vietnam Veterans
What: New 4' x 8' road signs are being installed along Interstate 84 to increase visibility for the designation of the interstate as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. Celebrating the Fourth of July holiday, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host an event to unveil the new signs.
Who: ITD is partnering with Idaho's congressional delegation and various Idaho military groups to unveil the new highway signs. All current and former military personnel are invited to attend.
When: Monday, July 3 at 10 a.m.
Where: The I-84 Snake River View rest stop (eastbound near Ontario as drivers cross into Idaho from Oregon)
Why: ITD is providing the signs to honor all veterans who served and those who became casualties during the Vietnam War. Between 1961 and 1965, 44,092 Idahoans served "in country" during the Vietnam War (approximately 36 percent of the veterans now living in Idaho), and 217 Idaho heroes were killed in action. More than 1,000 were wounded. Eight are still unaccounted for and remain missing in action.
Speakers:
Capt. Henry Parker, Department Commander, State of Idaho, Military Order of the Purple Heart
Dan Neal, State of Idaho Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Travis McGrath, ITD Chief Operations Officer; veteran, Operation Desert Storm & Operation Desert Shield
Melinda Smyser, Regional Director, Sen. Jim Risch's office