Armed Forces Week is time to say thanks

Besides being one of the dates forecasted as the rapture, May 21 was also Armed Forces Day.

This year marked the 62nd observance of Armed Forces Day honoring American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and National Guardsman who stand vigil securing peace around the globe, according to a proclamation signed by Wasilla Mayor Verne Rupright and Mat-Su Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss.

The proclamation asks all citizens to express appreciation “to our military and their families by recognizing them during the entire week, and especially at the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce military appreciation luncheon Tuesday, May 17 at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center.”

Alaska Veterans Advisory Council member Bert Hall worked with the Wasilla chamber and the Armed Forces YMCA to organize the luncheon. He said the event was a big success and attended by many uniformed service members from Joint Base Elemendorf Fort Richardson, the Alaska National Guard and local armed forces recruiters.

Sgt. Joshua Revak, a Wounded Warrior Fellow assigned to Congressman Don Young’s office, was the keynote speaker at this year’s “Salute to the Armed Forces” luncheon. The salute included a meet-and-greet, flag ceremonies, patriotic music, proclamations and special gifts for all uniformed military present.

Revak, Rep. Young’s military and veterans affairs liaison, has received two Purple Hearts and three Army Commendation Medals along with many decorations while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Hall said Armed Forces Day is part of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May, the day after Armed Forces Day.

It was an act of Congress that set aside the third Sunday in May to honor armed services members who are currently serving. Other national holidays honor those who have served, Veterans Day, and those who died while serving, Memorial Day.

After the unification of the Armed Forces under one department — the Department of Defense — it was Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson who announced on Aug. 31, 1949, the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force days.

Armed Forces Day honors the unusually large number of our neighbors, friends, sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who are currently serving in the armed forces, many overseas in active duty.

Beyond its effort to bestow proper recognition for troopss’ efforts, the day also honors their families who stay behind and stand behind them.

Many things about life in the U.S. changed after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. Perhaps one of the biggest changes has been the role our armed forces play.

After years of mostly peace-time service, today’s troops and their families know what it’s like to have their loved ones deploy, never knowing if they will return. They know what it’s like to be both parents. They know what it’s like to miss birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries.

We can never fully imagine the sacrifices our armed forces members and their families have made on our behalf.

To our neighbors here at home and those on active duty all around the world — and the families who love them — we say thank you.

And don’t be surprised when we see you in the grocery store, getting gas or at the soccer game if we want to shake your hand and thank you in person.

We’re humbled by your sacrifice and the certain knowledge that we will never be able to repay you.