Vietnam War Memorial Dedication Remarks
November 22, 2024
Good afternoon.
It is truly a profound honor to join you today as we gather to dedicate the long-overdue Vietnam Veterans Memorial here on the beautiful grounds of our Oregon State Capitol. Today, we come together not only to recognize the service and sacrifices of our Vietnam veterans and their families, but also to celebrate their enduring legacy—a legacy that has shaped our communities and our state in countless ways.
To each of you who answered the call to serve our nation, and to your loved ones who have stood steadfast by your side, we owe a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. Your courage, resilience, and sacrifices have left an indelible mark on our nation's history, and for that, we say thank you.
Oregon has always been a state that takes pride in honoring and supporting our veterans. It's a reflection of who we are – a community that deeply values the bravery and dedication of those who have worn our nation's uniform. I am committed, alongside our federal and local partners, to ensuring that our veterans and their families have access to the care, benefits, and resources they deserve. It is a mission we will always uphold with the greatest sense of purpose and pride.
And here we are today, at this dedication ceremony. This Vietnam Veterans Memorial will forever honor the extraordinary courage and sacrifices of the 180,000 Oregonians who served during one of the most turbulent and prolonged periods of conflict in our nation's history. With this beautiful and deeply meaningful memorial, we have a place that ensures all who served are remembered, and that the 790 Oregonians who died in service to our nation will be forever honored. This memorial stands as a testament to their bravery and ultimate sacrifice.
My father was a humble Korean War veteran, and he instilled in me not only his deep patriotism but also a profound respect for those who serve. His pride in his service shaped my understanding of the sacrifices made by our nation's heroes, and it is moments like this that remind us all of the importance of recognizing and honoring those sacrifices.
And while I've always held an appreciation for our veterans, these last two years as Governor have reaffirmed that admiration. In that time, I have executed my duties as Oregon's Commander in Chief by mobilizing over 1,000 Oregon National Guard members for service around the world. And I've had the opportunity to welcome service members home in demobilization ceremonies as well.
But I know that not all veterans received the welcome home they deserved, particularly our Vietnam veterans. For many, that experience remains a painful and lingering chapter in their honorable service to our nation. So today, I want to say loud and clear, to all of our veterans – especially our Vietnam veterans: On behalf of the state of Oregon, thank you for your service, and welcome home.
This sentiment, by the way, is beautifully articulated on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial website, which highlights the "Welcome Home Club," where donations can be made to financially support this memorial.
As your Governor, please know that I remain steadfast in my commitment to fighting for our veterans. I am dedicated to ensuring all veterans have access to the resources they need to thrive and the recognition they deserve for their service.
I want to thank everyone who made this memorial possible. Through your leadership, vision, and perseverance over these past seven years, you have created a space of honor and remembrance, not only for our state's veterans, but for all Oregonians. You have paid tribute to all those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War: over 3 million people in total, more than 58,000 Americans, and the 790 fallen heroes from Oregon whose names are forever memorialized here on these grounds.
Thank you for your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to bringing this momentous memorial to life.