LYNSEA GARRISON

Frontiersman reporter

Bright, afternoon sunshine and a slight breeze greeted hundreds of appreciative Alaskans who gathered Monday at the Veterans Wall of Honor in observance of Memorial Day. John Schwulst, of VFW Post 9365, began the service welcoming and thanking everyone in attendance. He asked attendants and veterans to remember who they served with and pray for them always.

Pastor Johnathon Rockey, of St. John's Lutheran Church, gave the invocation from the New Testament book of Timothy II.

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness," he read, before praying with the audience for those who gave "the ultimate sacrifice of their lives."

After the invocation, the Presentation of Colors was held. Walt Furgus, a former prisoner of war in World War II, raised the black and white POW flag while Logan Michaelson, an ROTC cadet, raised the Alaska flag. Schwulst took special notice of J.R. Hackett, who raised the American flag.

"This guy right here loves to kid around," he said with a smile. "He's my son in law, and he loves to tease me about hitting the sand. The flag that he's raising today, he took patrol for in the sandbox of Iraq."

After the flags were raised, some attendants wiped away tears and joined Adele Morgan, a local singer and songwriter, in singing the national anthem. When Morgan finished singing, everyone joined in and said the Pledge of Allegiance.

Schwulst then helped introduce the long line of about 20 organizations and individuals who attended the ceremony to give wreaths of flowers. Roy J. Burkhart, who received the Korean Service Defense Medal in February, placed a Rose of Sharon next to the veterans wall. The white and blue flower, also known as Moo Gung Hwa, is the national flower of South Korea and represents the 10 major campaigns of the Korean War.

Boy and Girl Scouts were also present at the ceremony and placed wreaths next to the wall in honor of all veterans' services to the United States.

Afterward, David Stockwell, the associate director of Alaska VA Healthcare System, read President George W. Bush's proclamation letter. The letter stated, " On Memorial Day, we honor the men and women in uniform who have given their lives in service to our nation. When the stakes were highest, our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen answered the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice for the security of our country and the peace of the world." The letter went on to state, "In serving our nation, they have been unrelenting in battle, unwavering in loyalty, and unmatched in decency."

The letter also recognized the 60th anniversary of World War II and the Americans who died on "distant shores defending our nation" during the war. Bush wrote that he prays "for the families of the fallen" and that "our grateful nation honors their selfless service, and we acknowledge a debt that is beyond our power to repay."

Maj. Gen. Craig E. Campbell of the Alaska National Guard, then read Gov. Frank Murkowski's Memorial Day proclamation, as well. However, before he read the letter, Campbell gave special thanks to the families and friends of those who serve.

"Those who are serving do a great job," he said. "But all of your (the audience's) support is greatly appreciated just as much."

Murkowski's letter recognized individuals who responded to war and traveled "to distant shores to protect our homeland." Murkowski also noted "with deep appreciation the contribution of communities" in America. The letter stated that Memorial Day is a time to honor fallen and alive veterans and to take time to remember all those who have "worked so hard to keep our state and nation free."

Guest speaker Sen. Charlie Huggins, R-Mat-Su, a chairman of the Veterans Wall of Honor, addressed the crowd after both letters were read. In the beginning of his speech, he asked everyone to raise their hands if they knew anyone, a friend or family member, who is serving. Several hands shot up in response.

Huggins talked about the history of Memorial Day briefly and went on speaking in support of veterans.

"You know, just because you made it home, doesn't mean you made it," he said. "We've all seen there's a lot of young men and women, and just because they've come home, doesn't mean they've made it."

According to Huggins, more than 2,000 individuals have died while serving in Iraq.

"We're here to remember and memorialize those who gave all," he said. "My son is in the ROTC, and it will be two years before our family will send him overseas. It's our responsibility to make sure the people we are memorializing didn't give it all for nothing. My point to you, is all of our families have to do their part."

In tears, Huggins ended by saying "God Bless America and the memory of those who gave all."

After Huggins' speech, Rep. Carl Gatto, R-Palmer, also spoke about honoring the fallen and recited a poem to the audience.

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press," he began. "It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. And it is the soldier - who salutes the flag, who serves the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag - who allows the protester to burn the flag."

Later, Gatto said $40,000 from the state's treasury will go toward the Veterans Wall of Honor to improve the landscaping and possibly add more panels to the wall.

When Gatto finished the rest of his speech, Morgan sang "America the Beautiful." Toward the end of her performance, the crowd joined her in singing. Two members of the American Legion Post 35 gave the 21-gun salute, and then everyone rose when Taps was sounded. Some saluted, some placed their hands on their hearts, some stood in respect and some wiped away their tears.

Afterward, Pastor Steven Taylor, of Wasilla Christian Church, gave the benediction.

"God, we give you honor and glory for freedom we have in this nation," he said. "It's with heavy hearts we remember those who've fought and fallen to bring us freedom in this nation."

Taylor ended the prayer by asking God to never "let us forget them."