7/3/2017
ITD unveils new highway signs to honor Vietnam veterans
BOISE -- Travelers along Interstate 84 in Idaho can now see reminders of the sacrifice made by Idaho men and women who served in Vietnam more than 40 years ago. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is installing the new road signs along I-84, officially designated as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.
The new 4' x 8' signs replace smaller signs placed earlier along the interstate through a partnership between ITD and veterans groups. Eight signs will be installed along I-84 between the borders with Oregon and Utah.
In 2014, the Idaho Legislature made the designation in honor of more than 44,000 Idahoans who served in the war. Two hundred and seventeen of those soldiers were killed in combat, more than 1,000 Idaho heroes were wounded, and eight are still unaccounted for and considered missing in action.
"Idaho has a great history of service to our country," said ITD Chief Operating Officer Travis McGrath. "These new signs allow us to show our appreciation for those men and women who stood up to protect our freedom."
The new signs were unveiled at an event earlier today at the I-84 Snake River View rest stop (eastbound near Ontario as drivers cross into Idaho from Oregon). Speakers included Capt. Henry Parker, Department Commander, State of Idaho, Military Order of the Purple Heart; Dan Neal, State of Idaho Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars; and ITD's McGrath, himself a veteran of Operation Desert Storm & Operation Desert Shield.