Thank you for choosing respect

To the editor:

I want to thank the thousands of Alaskans who participated in Choose Respect rallies and marches last week. Thank you for speaking out and standing up against domestic violence, sexual assault and child sexual abuse.

The First Lady and I are especially grateful to the amazing hosts and communities for their hospitality extended to members of my administration. We are rebuilding the importance of the traditions of respect, and by doing so we will end the epidemic of domestic violence and sexual assault. Together, we will create a stronger, healthier Alaska.

Gov. Sean Parnell

Juneau