BOISE — On a picturesque, sun-soaked Memorial Day in the Treasure Valley, over 1,000 people gathered at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery to honor those who have died while serving in the United States military.
The annual ceremony featured familiar faces and pageantry, and was one of a number of events taking place in the region to commemorate the day.
Cemetery Bureau Chief Jake Faulkner was the master of ceremonies while the 25th Army Band provided music.
There was a Presentation of Colors from American Legion Post 39, a fly-over tribute from the 124th Fighter Wing and a wreath-laying ceremony that included presenters from Blue and Gold Star Mothers.
Former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne provided a direct and forceful keynote address, while cannon and rifle salutes, taps and “Amazing Grace,” and a final benediction rounded out the hourlong event.
“Today, hundreds of thousands of Americans gather just as we are,” Kempthorne said. “On sacred ground such as this, to pay homage to those veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and those who have served this country.”
Faulkner opened the festivities by recognizing Kempthorne, who Faulkner said has made an indelible mark on Idaho’s military and veteran communities over the years.
Kempthorne — who was elected mayor of Boise in 1985 at the age of 34, then served two terms in the U.S. Senate, before being elected governor in 1998 — historically is known to be present with Idaho troops prior to deployment, travel to hostile territory to support them, and welcome them back to the United States, Faulkner said.
“I have countless accounts from our veteran community on which they recall him providing the utmost respect and forming a truly deeply felt heart connection,” Faulkner said.
It was also during Kempthorne’s term as Idaho governor, from 1999-2006, that the state veterans cemetery opened in 2004.
Faulkner said it was the first veterans cemetery in Idaho, which happened to be the last state to build one.
Kempthorne’s Memorial Day speech touched on a number of military-related topics.
He spoke of times when America has been divided, bringing up today’s current social and political climate, specifically protests in communities and college campuses pertaining to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
He then highlighted the Civil War and President Abraham Lincoln’s role in guiding the country.
“President Lincoln said, all the armies of Europe, Asia, Africa combined, could not in a trial of 1,000 years, conquer the United States of America,” Kempthorne said. “But he went on to say that if destruction be our lot, then we ourselves must be the authors and finishers. I would hope that our leaders in government would take note of that.”
Kempthorne tipped his hat to Vietnam veterans, who he said fought overseas during a time of great domestic divide, only to come home and not receive a welcome return.
“In fact, they were spat upon,” he said.
“Today, a ball cap or a vest that says Vietnam vet is a badge of courage,” he added. “It is a badge of honor. God bless Vietnam vets, men and women.”
The former governor recognized the courage and fortitude that Idaho troops and its air guard displayed while serving in Iraq in the early 2000s.
He spoke of the community response local veterans receive when introduced at Boise State football and Idaho Steelheads games.
Kempthorne harked back to when members of the USS Idaho would return home for crew visits.
“What’s amazing and beautiful is, when we would take them to impromptu stops and restaurants just so we can feed them, Idahoans in the restaurants recognized them, began to applaud and wanted to shake their hands,” he said. “That’s Idaho.”
He brought up the loyalty and patriotism Idahoans have shown the USS Idaho, raising over $1 million for the ship, its crew, and its crew’s family members. That number dwarfs neighboring states such as Washington, Oregon and Colorado, Kempthorne said.
“And we’re not done,” he pointed out.
Kempthorne noted the young people in attendance at Monday’s event — boys and girls, young men and young women.
“The next generation, placing the flags at the headstones, acknowledging those of the past before,” he said. “I love this.”
Both Kempthorne and Faulkner took time to recognize Brandon Titus, an Idaho native and Borah High School graduate who was killed in action in Iraq in 2004 at the age of 20. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Prior to his death, Titus expressed to his father Tom, a fellow veteran, that if he died while serving that he wanted to be buried at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.
“With our cemetery nearing completion, he became our first interment,” Faulkner said. “Army specialist Brandon Titus, thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice. We will not forget you.”
Kempthorne, who spoke glowingly throughout his address about the cemetery’s features, facilities and tranquility, echoed that sentiment.
“Wherever our troops are laid, America will honor and protect the remains in the strictest of highest military standards,” Kempthorne said. “Just as Jake and his team do here.”
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