Honor Garden bricks to recognize service

WASILLA — Beneath a layer of fresh, white snow the names of U.S. Armed Forces servicemen and women are etched in stone to remind a community of the sacrifices made to keep our country free.

The Alaska Path of Freedom brick program originally began in November 2000 and, along with the Armed Forces Honor Garden and Circle of Honor, the project was created to recognize those who have served and continue to serve their country in the military, said Bruce Urban, recreation and cultural services manager for Wasilla.

“I think it gives us a kind-of community identity,” Urban said. “It shows the support the community has for our military.”

Eight years after it was begun, the city is gearing up to revitalize the Alaska Path of Freedom Brick Project at the Armed Forces Honor Garden.

“It’s something that has been on our radar screen for a number of years,” Urban said. “We decided to put things together and get it back on track.”

The program aims to sell enough bricks to finish lining the path and Circle of Honor with personalized granite blocks, he said. The path, which leads to the Circle of Honor, will be filled with bricks that include the buyers’ names and messages. The Circle of Honor is reserved for bricks dedicated to those who have served or are serving in the military. The city plans to place new bricks sometime this summer.

Urban said support for the project has come from all corners of the community. Businesses, residents and veterans have all pitched in to make the path possible. Wasilla Mayor Dianne M. Keller said she’s proud to be a part of a city that shows its support for the armed forces.

“We should never miss an opportunity to thank our veterans,” Keller said.

Ric Davidge, chairman and CEO of the Alaska Veterans Foundation, said the project is a great addition to the community and is beneficial for members of the military.

“What a veteran does in war only begins to heal when they come home,” Davidge said. “The emotional healing is extremely important and anything our communities can do to embrace and honor our veterans is also very important.”

With about 80,000 veterans living in Alaska, Davidge said the Mat-Su Valley is known for its support of veterans and troops. Not only is the Valley home to the Alaska Path of Freedom, it’s also home to the Veterans’ Wall of Honor.

Davidge said the community backs many veteran actives and programs supporting troops currently serving. The Boxes for Heroes program, which is sponsored by the Alaska Veterans Foundation, had a successful holiday drive in the Valley.

Bricks can be purchased at Wasilla City Hall or the Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex. Prices range from $90 to $150. Interested parties can choose from three brick sizes, which include 4- by 8-inch, 8- by 8-inch and 12- by 12-inch. For more information, contact the recreation coordinator at 375-9100.