HISTORIC 1968 MARINE ALL-STATE PLATOON REUNION SCHEDULED
The 1968 “Evergreen State Platoon / Platoon 3041,” a special Marine Corps State
of Washington recruit unit that went through boot camp together, is holding its
50th Anniversary Reunion on Thursday, July 12, 2018, in Olympia WA. Olympia
was chosen as it was under the Capitol’s Dome that 80 young volunteers from
across the state met and were sworn-in into the U.S. Marine Corps by a retired
USMC general.
Three events are planned on July 12. The first is a ceremony in the Capitol’s
Rotunda to which current state dignitaries have been invited to attend. The second,
held immediately afterward at the nearby outdoor Washington Vietnam Veterans
Memorial, will honor the six Platoon 3041 Marines killed in Vietnam. The final
event will be an informal banquet for platoon members, their families, and invited
guests.
Platoon 3041 members interested in attending the Reunion should contact Dan
Kirkman at 206-383-9018.
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Additional Background: In 1968 Governor Dan Evans and Miss Washington 1968
spoke at the July 13 enlistment ceremony. If his health permits, Dan Evans hopes
to attend the 2018 Rotunda ceremony, as does Miss Washington 1968, Joyce
Stepanek. Immediately after the 1968 ceremony the 80 Washingtonians flew to
San Diego to begin recruit training. The platoon excelled in competitions against
other recruit platoons and was the “Honor Platoon” at its graduation on Sept. 19,
1968.
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Please address media inquiries to Doug Woods at 503-665-5886 or