LIBBY — Gov. Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill 59 into law on Jan. 16, naming a bridge that crosses the Kootenai River in Libby after a fallen Vietnam soldier.
That bridge was officially named and dedicated to honor Libby native Staff Sergeant Arthur Rambo on Sunday, May 25.
Watch the full story:
“Extremely great honor to be here and help the family, once you’re a black horse, you’re our family no matter what,” said Vietnam War veteran Mark Van Atta.
Van Atta — who served with Arthur Rambo in Vietnam as part of the 11th Armored Cavalry — was with Arthur the day he died on Nov. 26, 1969.
“Third Holster, third squadron of the 11th Armored Cavalry, we were on a mission called the Texas Traveler.”
Van Atta and other members of the 11th Armored Cavalry traveled from all across the country to honor Arthur in his hometown of Libby.
“Every day, he’s in my thoughts every day, it’s something that will always be there,” said Van Atta.
Friends and family of Arthur spoke at the ceremony alongside the banks of the Kootenai River, highlighting the character that defined him.
“His wife asked that Arthur not be made a hero, that he be remembered for the man he was, which was a caring, warm, dedicated, smart husband, father, son and a brother and a friend,” said Arthur's younger sister Patty Rambo.
Patty said the bridge dedication makes sure Arthur's legacy is always remembered.
“I mean, I can be anywhere in the country, and they hear my name, and they go 'oh did you know Arthur' and I go' yeah he’s my brother,' so that’s the impact that he left.”
She said a piece of Arthur is always with her in their hometown of Libby.
“It’s going to be hard for me to drive over that bridge, but it brings up good memories, so that’s important.”
More information on the life of Arthur Rambo can be found here.
