I-84 through Idaho is now officially Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, under legislation passed and signed into law this year; new signs for the route were unveiled at a ceremony on the state Capitol steps this morning. “It has been far too long for this recognition to come,” declared Sen. Mike Crapo, addressing a crowd of more than 100, including many veterans. He called the choice of the state’s busiest freeway for the designation “incredibly fitting.”

The ceremony was punctuated with speeches, a rifle salute and a solemn playing of “Taps.” Retired Capt. Henry Parker, a decorated two-tour Vietnam veteran, told the crowd, “Today is another step for our healing.”

The bill, SB 1227, continues a designation that Oregon started on its portion of I-84 to the Idaho line, with the hope that Utah eventually will continue it on its section. Sen. Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls, sponsored the measure. I-90 in North Idaho already is designated as Idaho’s portion of the National Purple Heart Trail.