This week the communities of Anchorage and Eagle River are celebrating Military Appreciation, led by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. Many businesses and non-profit groups are organizing events to give back to our military community.
One way the Alaska State Legislature is showing its appreciation is with the Alaska Decoration of Honor. The Alaska Decoration of Honor is a medal awarded by the legislature to the families of military members from Alaska who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our state and nation.
In 2007, I introduced legislation creating the Alaska Decoration of Honor. The same year, with unanimous support from the legislature, we passed this very worthy piece of legislation. The medal honors military members who paid the ultimate sacrifice dating back to statehood.
In all, Alaska has lost 177 men and women serving our country. These individuals either listed their home of record as Alaska or were stationed in Alaska and deployed in support of combat.
On Memorial Day weekend the Joint Armed Services Committee held a ceremony to present the medals, on behalf of all Alaskans, to the next of kin of our military members who so bravely lost their lives. More than 500 family, friends, loved ones, and dignitaries from around Alaska and across the country filled the Discovery Theater at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts to honor and pay respect to these men and women.
Locally and nationally renowned artist, Jon Van Zyle-a veteran himself, donated his time and creative talents designing the beautiful medal. These medals were placed in Alaskan-made birch shadow-boxes and presented to the official next of kin. As co-chair of the Joint Armed Services Committee I was proud to meet each loved one as they came to the stage and thank them for their great sacrifice.
Presenting these awards was a very happy yet somber moment for me. These fallen brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, wives, and husbands are loved so very much, we can all be very proud of their accomplishments and sacrifice they made for us. Everyone of these service members died defending the country, and the people, they loved.
Unfortunately more Alaskan military members will pay the ultimate price, protecting freedom around the world. The legislature will continue to honor their sacrifice and pay tribute to their family with the Alaska Decoration of Honor.
Like you, I love my family more than anything else in the world. My children and grandchildren fill my heart with joy every day. I am honored to represent the men and women and their families who serve at Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson Army Post in the Alaska Legislature.
To all military service members, past and present: thank you for your commitment and dedication to our state and to our nation. Thank you for your unwavering service, providing security and stability for our country. And thank you to your families for the sacrifices they make every day to support you in the pursuit of your dreams. May God bless you and keep you always.
State Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom is a Republican from Eagle River.
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