Speech
Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Inaugural Event
Remarks of Governor Judy Martz
State Capitol
1/18/2003
Good morning. Thank you for joining us today as we mark the start of the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial.
Around Montana, and throughout the states which are a part of the Lewis and Clark Trail, we have been talking about and planning for this event for a number of years. It’s truly an honor to see all of this planning come to fruition on this… the first day of the bicentennial.
Today, January 18, holds a particular significance for the bicentennial, as on this date in 1803, President Jefferson sent a confidential communication to Congress, requesting that they appropriate twenty five hundred dollars to fund the expedition.
And what a cause for both reflection and celebration. Here in Montana and throughout the West, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark mapped a territory and set a new course for our country. They named streams and mountains. They crossed rivers and created friendships.
They forged relationships with American Indian Tribes, and received help when needed along their journey from acts of kindness like that of the Salish in providing food and horses when the expedition was in need.
Truly, the members of the Corps of Discovery were sent on a mission that few would ever have the courage to face – and they succeeded in their task.
Their incredible journey to chart the newly acquired Louisiana Territories set these courageous Americans on a remarkable voyage that changed our nation forever.
At this, the start of the Bicentennial of their expedition into an uncharted territory, we, collectively, commend them for their courage in the face of daunting challenges – their resourcefulness in the face of hardship – and their determination in the face of adversity.
Their tremendous acts should serve as a reminder of the wealth of our nation’s resources – not just our natural land resources, but also the resources found in the diversity of our people.
We are pleased to be a part of such a legacy. Lewis and Clark are a part of our heritage – a heritage that we continue to commemorate today.
I believe Montana has the greatest story to tell as a part of the Lewis and Clark journey.
For example, the Corps of Discovery spent more time and traveled more miles in Montana than in any other state.
And, the trail system in Montana is either in or immediately adjacent to thirty-six of our state’s fifty-six counties, and is within a fifty mile radius of no fewer than one hundred communities – right here in Big Sky Country.
In addition to showing the importance of Lewis and Clark’s journey here, these numbers also show the incredible economic impact that this bicentennial will have in our state.
This is due in no small part to a great number of dedicated volunteers and staff people who have spent countless hours planning events in Montana.
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the successful planning of the bicentennial in Montana.
From Local Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation Chapters and Regional Bicentennial Commissions, to Tribes, state and federal agencies, and our state’s bicentennial commission, I am very proud of the concerted effort of Montana organizations and individuals.
Clint Blackwood, who serves as the executive director of the Montana Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission, is in Monticello, Virginia today, along with a contingent of Montanans, who are representing our state at the official inaugural event. Monticello is the home of then-President Thomas Jefferson. We are pleased that Montana is represented at that kickoff as well.
In addition to today’s event, I hope that you will all take the opportunity to participate in the many local Lewis and Clark events that will occur over the next three years throughout the state of Montana.
I would like to bring your attention to two specific events, which are National Signature Events for the Bicentennial.
Only fifteen events are identified as National Signature Events throughout the country – and two of them will happen right here in Montana.
From June 1st through July 4th, 2005, the communities of Fort Benton and Great Falls will invite the world to our Big Sky Country to commemorate the Corps of Discovery’s second Independence Day in the West and the portage around the great falls of the Missouri.
And from July 22nd through the 25th, 2006, communities along the Yellowstone River will welcome visitors to one of America’s newest national monuments, Pompey’s Pillar. I have sent a letter to President Bush, requesting his attendance at those events.
We are pleased to be a part of this effort honoring the Corps of Discovery, who played such an incredibly important role in our state’s heritage, and whose historical journey continues to be a vital part of our state’s economy.
Thank you again for joining me at this celebration. God Bless each of you. God bless Montana and may God bless America.
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