Political Quotes

“I rise to continue an effort to honor the 198 North Dakotans--soldiers, sailors, and airmen--who gave their lives while serving in Vietnam. Together with the Bismarck High School history and English classes, we are reaching out to families and friends of these fallen servicemembers and sharing a bit about each one on the floor of the Senate. Today, I begin by talking about a large family, the Gietzens, who lost one of their own in Vietnam but continue to serve our country and our State. Bill and Mary raised 15 children on a farm outside Glen Ullin. It was on their farm that their children learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and bravery. After serving in the Army in World War II, Bill married his sweetheart Mary, and they had 15 children. Gene Gietzen Gene Gietzen served in Vietnam in the Marine Corps' Alpha Company, lst Battalion, 7th Marines. Gene was born March 19, 1950. On May 21, 1969, he died as a result of wounds received on a company operation. He was 19 years old. Gene's twin brother Glenn and older brother, Russell, were also stationed in Vietnam for a time while Gene was there. Once, when Russell and Glenn's battalion passed through Gene's camp, they had an opportunity to spend a night together. That night, the young men learned of the birth of their youngest brother Fred. While the brothers said goodbye, Gene told them he would never get to see baby Fred.…”