Open Thread – Veterans Museum
Mudflatter KK spent the day at the Veterans Museum in Anchorage and had some great information and photos to share!
By Mudflatter KK
Alaska Veterans Museum Statue Unveiling
333 W 4th Avenue, Suite 227, Anchorage, Alaska
As a spectator at the days event it was a soulful day filled with lots of sharing, stories and smiles. The museum is a must-see, and I was very happy to be there. Our Alaskan veterans are awesome!
Quote from handout today…
1942-1947 Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG) Statue
During World War II under the leadership of Major Marvin “Muktuk” Marston and 21 paid staff, 6,368 Volunteers from seven Native ethnic groups and European Americans, whose collective ages ranged from twelve to eighty years of age, including some 30 women, watched the northern shores of Alaska for enemy movement and were instrumental in the Battle for Attu, a foreign war battle fought on domestic soil. In commemoration of their personal sacrifices for our freedom we dedicate this statue.
From Website…
As you will see in the exhibits and stories in the Alaska Veterans Museum, we make history fun and indeed make it come alive. On November 11th, starting at noon we will have talks on the CSS Shenandoah, which on June 25, 1865, fired the last shots of the American Civil War in Alaskan waters (even though Alaska was not yet a US Territory). We will also have a white canvas tent, cannon, static displays, uniformed re-enactors and their ladies, hardtack and Johnny cake (Molasses optional) samples, and a class on paper cartridge making for the weapons of the day.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20111103/NEWS/311030043/1001/?odyssey=obinsite If this link works it will take you to a tale of how Rethuglicans in Iowa have tried to dismantle one agency that protects the elderly and disabled. Guv Terry Braindead has a long history of being in the pockets of nursing home operators who want zero regulations to hold up profit making.
My father in law fought and was wounded in both WWi and WW11. How ironic that he died on veterans day.
One more reason to visit Anchorage.
Agree, one more thing on my list to catch up on my next visit!
This past Wednesday, Sgt. David Lemcke of Hilton, NY came home 43 years after being reported as MIA in Vietnam. More than 100 members of the Patriot Guard escorted his coffin back to his hometown. The local fire department hung a giant flag from their ladders above the street and stood at attention as the hearse passed underneath.
He was laid to rest today under a marker that was placed in the cemetery years ago, after he was declared legally dead.
How fitting that he finally came home so close to Veterans Day and how wonderful that, all these years later, so much respect was paid to this man and his family.
http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/mia-vietnam-vet-soldiers-remains/oRxkL-MWHkGEA6EY2i7_NA.cspx
We must never forget the sacrifices made by those who served, past and present.
Moving article. I can only hope that present and future leaders actually think about the consequences of their decisions,not for campaign contributors,but for the men,women and children innocent victims-the so called “collateral damage” that rethugs use to convince their side that casualties don’t happen. I would hope that they could see our soldiers as human beings and not just as volunteers being sent to die for nothing.
We are indebted to all those who stepped up to serve our country.