Veterans, families, and community members honor those who served as part of Veterans Day 2025

Despite the frigid temperatures, dozens turned out at the Veterans Memorial Wall in Wasilla to honor all who have served, and those who are answering the call to serve as part of the Veterans’ Day

This year, members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Chapter 43 oversaw the event. And like all true military units, they had help from the American Legion Post 35, who performed the 21-gun salute and later a lone bugler belted out the sorrowful notes of “Taps.”

“We’re not all combat vets…But we’re all vets. We signed the same contract,” said CVMA Chaplain Toolbox. “I want to say thank you to the men and women who signed that dotted line, to allow us to be here today.”

Mat-Su Borough Mayor Edna DeVries told the audience that three of the top public servants for the Borough are military veterans, saying that when she has asked veterans to step up to serve on boards and commissions in the Borough, they continue their call to serve, and that the Borough is the better for it.

“We see daily the discipline and the guidance and the knowledge and instruction that they have learned while they served that makes Alaska and the borough the best place to live, work and play.”

“Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment reminds us that the true strength of America has always come from those willing to step up,” said Wasilla Mayor Glenda Ledford.

“I want to thank all the veterans that are here today,” said newly-elected Palmer Mayor Jim Cooper, noting that Veterans Day holds significant meaning for his family, telling the attendees that between his father, who joined the service in 1935, him, and his son, who retired from military service in 2022, there was 87 years of continuous service to the country. “Remember, veterans aren’t veterans for one day. We need to thank them all year long because they have sacrificed more than we know.”

After city and state leaders read proclamations honoring Veterans Day and thanking veterans for the service and sacrifice while serving World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf, the Global War on Terrorism, and many times of conflict and peace, it was time for the presentation of wreaths, place with reverence along the Memorial Wall.

While not able to be at the ceremony in person, Todd Smoldon read a proclamation from Governor Mike Dunleavy, stating in part: “We owe an enduring debt of gratitude to our veterans for their valiant service to the United States of America, and we will never forget their selfless allegiance and willingness to put their lives on the line to defend the freedoms of our democracy;”

As fellow veterans, family, and community members reflected on the call to serve and the sacrifices made not just by the veterans, but their families as well, the thoughts of the day were best summed up in Governor Dunleavy’s proclamation.

“On Veterans Day, we reflect on the immeasurable burdens endured by so few in the defense of so many and dedicate ourselves to supporting those who have served our Nation and the families who stood alongside them, including those who are still serving today and those who will serve in the future.”