Pioneer Home celebrates its veterans during Veterans Day

PALMER — Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home residents and staff were honored Monday, Nov. 11, surrounded by their families and various members of the community.

The event was well attended with numerous people filling the main lobby. From politicians to high school students, all walks of life made an appearance.

“They’ve done a good job here, a lot of people,” Pioneer Home resident and U.S. Navy veteran Darrell Murray said.

Vietnam veteran and American Legion Post 35 Commander Ron Travis emceed the event with several guest speakers and Pioneer residents speaking at the podium.

“Our gathering is just one spark in a flame of pride that burns across the nation today and every day. It’s not a lot but’s it’s one small way we can honor those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice,” Travis said.

Travis said that while Veterans Day was a time dedicated to honoring those who’ve served, attendees should remember to show their gratitude throughout the year, even if it’s a “little thank you” for their service.

“A little thank you goes a long way,” Travis said.

Representatives from the offices of Alaska Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski shared messages on their behalf during the ceremony. Local comedian and musician Hillary Saffran sang the national anthem.

Vietnam veteran and Pioneer resident Dorothy Dittman took a moment to read the names of all of the veteran residents and staff at the facility. She served for 26 years with the U.S. Army, retiring as a staff sergeant.

“I want to thank you fellow veterans… It was an honor to have served,” Dittman said as her eyes welled with tears.

Numerous people in the audience got teary-eyed as Dittman continued.

“It’s a pleasure to be a part of Alaska’s proudest and most extra ordinary patrons,” Dittman said.

After Dittman’s heartfelt speech, the crowd sang in unison to “My Country Tis of Thee” with Elaine Mitchell at the piano. The crowd sang together one more time for “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

The Pioneer Home’s Veterans Day Ceremony was one of several events going on across the Valley. Travis said that he was making his way to numerous events, from the newly moved Veterans Wall in Wasilla to Pioneer Home the heart of Palmer.

He said that he looks forward to the Pioneer Home’s ceremony every year. He said there have been a lot of WWII veterans residents over the years.

“This is one of my favorites,” Travis said. “I just love hanging out with these guys. It reminds me of hanging out with my dad.”

Travis is a U.S. Navy veteran. He said that it’s great to see events like these grow around the Valley. He’s glad to see more awareness for local veterans and supportive programs like the Last Frontier Honor Flight.

Palmer Mayor Edna DeVries said the city’s park and recreation department is currently working on plans with Pioneer Home Administrator Joshua Shaver to add a park area with some sort of monument on the grounds, serving as a dedication to local veterans.

She said that in light of the Veterans Wall moving to Wasilla, adding something like that would be a nice thing to have as the people of Palmer honor their veterans.

“We just want to honor them, thank them and be appreciative,” DeVries said. “We want to have something here locally.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com