Honoring those who serve

Memorial Day is nearly here and Alaskans will be busy honoring our military and veterans. As part of the effort, this year I am proud to announce my office’s annual “Salute to the Military” is two-fold, honoring both the U.S. Navy’s service in World War II and the critical role of our service-members’ families.

Each year my office recognizes different aspects of the United States Armed Forces and, as a tribute, gives out honorary coffee mugs. In past years we recognized the military, Veterans of the War on Terror, the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, the Marines and the Army Rangers.

This year’s U.S. Navy tribute is in recognition of the men and women who overcame Pearl Harbor, defeated the Japanese at Midway and destroyed the German U-boat fleet. The honorary mug, designed by Edra Morledge, displays the World War II rescue ship PCE(R) 852 and several images from the Navy’s history.

The second tribute, designed by Nona Hamilton-Head, honors the families of service members and the essential support they provide to keep our military in the fight. The mug displays pictures of my family including my oldest son, who just returned from Iraq, and my younger son and daughter who are cadets at West Point Military Academy.

In 2005, we first saluted the entire military, the forces who have kept our country free for nearly 234 years. The mug’s theme is green woodland camouflage, a highly recognizable indicator of the Armed Services. The splotched woodland pattern became the standard camouflage for combat troops during the Vietnam War and it remained in service until recently when it was replaced with improved digital patterns.

The 2006 salute recognized the men and women serving in the War on Terror in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Southeast Asia and the rest of the world. The tribute mug was done in “chocolate chip” desert camouflage. From the beginning of this war, desert camouflage has been the primary uniform of our deployed combat troops. As the war on terror continues in its eighth year, it is imperative that we, as Americans, continue supporting the men and women who are fighting for our freedom.

In 2007, we honored the All American 82nd Airborne Division, an elite Infantry Division originally composed of men from every state in the union. The 82nd cut its teeth in France in World War I, where Sgt. Alvin York was the division’s best known hero. The 82nd Airborne became famous for its valor in Europe during World War II and has continued to perform magnificently ever since. We are proud to recognize and honor the men and women of the 82nd Airborne for their service to our country.

Semper Fi Marines! A 2008 salute to the Marine Corps could not be complete without the most famous image from the South Pacific, a picture that resounded with America and reinvigorated our resolve to defeat the Japanese — the flag raising on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima. This military icon captures the essence of Marine Corps spirit. It resonates with the American people and it sparked a Marine Corps love affair that remains to this day.

For 2009 — Hooah! Rangers lead the way! In 2009, we saluted the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment. Tracing its heritage back to Roger’s Rangers in the French and Indian War, Army Rangers are a fighting force feared and respected across the globe. An Army Ranger is a highly trained soldier capable of both conventional and special operations warfare. Army Rangers are serving a vital role in the war on terror and have a proud history of being called on for the most difficult and most dangerous combat missions.

My office’s technique of saluting the military and presenting tributes is one way to recognize military service, but it is not the only way.

This Memorial Day, I encourage everyone in Alaska to find his or her own ways, large or small, to help continue Alaska’s strong tradition of honoring those who serve. I remember a time not so long ago when many in our country turned their backs on our service members, magnifying the effects of the Vietnam War through generations. Things are very different today because we support our troops. It is obvious Alaskans truly appreciate our military, and I am proud of our state for consistently honoring those who serve.

Charlie Huggins is a state senator from Wasilla, a retired Army Colonel, a Ranger and a Vietnam veteran.