On May 29, Alaskans across the state will honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Military. Numerous Memorial Day events will be marked with prayers, cemetery visits, speeches, feasting and community gatherings.
Originally known as Decoration Day, the annual observance originated shortly after the end of the Civil War, a conflict that claimed more American lives than any other U.S. conflict in history. In 1971, the day became an official federal holiday. Each year on Memorial Day, the country holds a national moment of remembrance that takes place at 3 p.m. local time.
Below are some of the events scheduled around Alaska.
ANCHORAGE
— The annual Anchorage Remembers Memorial Day event runs 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Delaney Park Strip (West 9th Ave.) It will include speakers, wreath-laying, prayers, patriotic music, a 21-gun salute, Taps and much more at the Veterans Memorial on the Delaney Park Strip, at 9th Avenue and I Street. Hosted by the Municipality of Anchorage, the event honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
WASILLA
— The annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Wasilla Wall of Honor starts at 1 p.m. It is hosted by the American Legion Post 35. Immediately following the event, there will be a Memorial Day BBQ from 2-5 p.m. for the entire community at the American Legion Post 35 in Wasilla.
JUNEAU
— The Veterans of Foreign Wars-Taku Post 5559 in Juneau will host a Memorial Day observance at Evergreen Cemetery (601 Seater St.) from 11-11:30 a.m. The event is open to the public. The event will be held in the Veterans Section (at the flagpole) of Evergreen Cemetery.
KENAI PENINSULA EVENTS
— The Kenai American Legion Post 20 and Soldotna VFW Post 10046 have announced the following Memorial Day Services for May 29.
— 11 a.m. service at Kenai Cemetery
— 1 p.m. at Lief Hanson Park in Kenai
— 2 p.m. at Soldotna Cemetery, followed by a Purple Heart and Iron Mike Memorial Laying of Wreaths.
DELTA JUNCTION
— A Memorial Day ceremony will occur at Rest Haven Cemetery in Delta Junction on May 29 at noon. Located on the corner of Jack Warren Road and Tanana Loop Extension, the ceremony will include guest speaker Joel Johnson, Commander of U.S. Army Garrison in Fort Greely. Hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10450 and American Legion Post 22, the ceremony will be followed by a BBQ at the Moose Lodge on Jack Warren Road.
