Memorial Day events draw crowds

May 29, 2007

By Hannah Guillaume

Frontiersman

WASILLA - Storm clouds looming on the horizon threatened Memorial Day barbecues across the Valley as hundreds of residents gathered in cemeteries and at a monument honoring U.S. soldiers.

Monday's 45th Memorial Day procession on Main Street to the Wasilla Aurora Cemetery had more than 100 flag-waving participants.

&#8220I believe Memorial Day is something that every American citizen should take part in. I would never miss it,” said Alice Minnick, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9365 flag bearer who has marched in the event for 35 years. &#8220It's a very moving service. You probably won't see a dry eye.”

Minnick said she joined the procession after her husband, John, came home on leave from the Vietnam War in 1967. John is the national chief of staff for the VFW.

Just two weeks after heart surgery, John Gimlin, 50, a Wasilla resident and Vietnam veteran, walked in the 15-minute procession.

He said it was his goal and smiled as he made his way with his family to the service.

&#8220I'm walking to support the veterans,” Gimlin said. &#8220For all the guys that have been injured, and all the guys that made it home, and for those that never did. It's a tribute.”

Participants gathered around the gravestone of George McSorley Sr., 1939-1992, who served in the Navy.

Commander J.R. Hackett, of VFW Post 9365, led the service. He said veterans are owed a great honor for their devotion to duty, courage, patriotism and services on land, air and sea.

&#8220This grave represents the resting places of many departed comrades who served in all wars,” Hackett said. &#8220Wherever the body of a comrade lies, there the ground is hallowed.”

After the service, more than 300 participants gathered in camp chairs across the lawn of the Mat-Su Visitor Information Center for a ceremony at the Veterans Wall of Honor.

The wall, built in 1992, is made from 18 black-granite panels that carry the names of 1,664 veterans.

Bill Goodwin, a Vietnam War veteran and master of ceremonies, invited observers to pay their respects by laying wreaths along the wall.

&#8220Thank you for being here and supporting Memorial Day,” he said.

Nearly 20 flower- and confetti-laden wreaths were presented, including those by families, Palmer Elks and the Boy and Girl Scouts of America.

Jessica Maynard, 14, a Cadette Girl Scout from Wasilla, said she felt honored to present a wreath.

&#8220It's the day that represents everyone who died for freedom,” she said.

During the ceremony, the Alaska, U.S. and Prisoner of War-Missing In Action flags were raised up squeaking flag poles. Adele Morgan sang &#8220God Bless America” and &#8220The Star Spangled Banner.”

Guest speaker Maj. Christopher Benson, a deputy commander of the Alaska District U.S. Corps of Engineers, said he wore military fatigues, not the standard soldiers' ceremony suit and tie, because he wanted to make a point.

&#8220We are a nation at war, and this uniform is a constant reminder to me and those around me who see it,” he said. &#8220The importance of Memorial Day can never be overstated.”

Benson noted that Alaska is one of the most patriotic states in the union, because of its large military and veteran populations. Alaska's veteran population is 17 percent, the largest in the country, according to the U.S. Census.

Speakers for President George W. Bush and Gov. Sarah Palin made remarks honoring all U.S. soldiers, including the 400,000 currently deployed in nearly 80 countries.

Palin's stand-in, Colleen Sullivan-Leonard, thanked Alaska's soldiers for their service, while Larry Lawes, speaking for Bush, addressed the important role troops have in upholding American ideals. He honored the memory of those who served, and their families, for advancing the blessing of freedom.

Randi Bernier and Hank Hartman closed the ceremony by sounding &#8220Taps” on their trumpets. Brownies, cookies and juice were provided by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 35.

Contact Hannah Guillaume at 352-2250 or hannahguillaume@yahoo.com.