In honor of those who served

The Veterans' Wall of Honor in Wasilla is the home to Veterans' Day, Memorial Day and POW/MIA celebrations each year. But last Sunday, the Veterans' Day ceremony took on an added significance.

As the military engages in its first campaign in a decade, the thought of war and of the veterans who served in those wars was fresh on everybody's minds.

"I came out today because of everything that is going on in Afghanistan," said Molly Reasoner. "Nobody in my family has ever been in the military, but I thought coming to this was like my patriotic duty. I've never thought about veterans the way I do now. I see them in a different light after everything that has gone on. They are heroes, too."

As the program progressed -- it started on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, as tradition -- four U.S. Air Force fighter jets flew over the ceremony, one tipping his wings to the American flag as a salute.

After the invocation, presentation of the colors, the national anthem and the pledge of allegiance, people from organizations around the Valley, and even one from the state of Washington, laid wreaths in front of the wall, to remember those who gave their lives defending America.

Following the wreath presentation, Colony High School student Christina Perkins delivered an emotional address that was one of the highlights. She told the crowd that America does not have freedom of the press because of reporters, nor does America have freedom of religion because of religious leaders. Every freedom America has is because of veterans, she said.

A postage stamp honoring veterans was then presented to Al Cleime, the state commander of the Disabled American Veterans. Delivering the day's message was Commander Mark Hamilton of the U.S. Coast Guard, who talked about the significance of the American flag. Rabbi Abraham Garmaize delivered the benediction, which was followed by a ceremonial firing.

Following "God Bless America," "Taps" was played, and the ceremony ended.