Knowles calls 2002 the "Year of the Veteran"

ANCHORAGE -- During a special tribute to Alaska's veterans before the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Gov. Tony Knowles called 2002 the "Year of the Veteran," and announced he would introduce legislation next session to create an Alaska Veterans Memorial Endowment.

Through the generosity of dozens of Alaska businesses, more than $125,000 in pledges already have been made to fund the endowment. Next session, the governor will ask the Legislature to match the privately raised funds with $125,000 in public money and to create the endowment in state statute. Interest earned on the endowment would be given out as small grants to make sure that memorials are ship-shape when Alaskans and tourists visit them.

At the state's veterans' memorial at Byers Lake, the roads leading to it are now named Medal of Honor Loop and Purple Heart Lane, the governor announced. The rest area at the memorial is now known as the POW MIA Rest Area. The signs were donated and will be dedicated next Memorial Day.

To obtain nomination criteria for the 2002 Veterans Advocacy Award, contact Laddie Shaw, state veterans affairs coordinator, Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, P.O. Box 5800, Ft. Richardson, AK, 99505-0800. People may call (907) 428-6068, fax (907) 428-6033, or e-mail Laddie_Shaw@ak-prepared.com.