A Time of Remembrance and Gratitude
Effective Date: Sunday, May 6th, 2012
WHEREAS, Alaska is home to approximately 77,000 military veterans and their families, of whom nearly 15,000 are veterans of the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, this generation of service members served their country valiantly and under extremely difficult circumstances. For many Vietnam veterans and their loved ones, the return from hostilities and attempted integration back into their communities was stressful, and their sacrifices to our indebted nation went without proper recognition; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC was dedicated to justly commemorate American service members who died in the war in Southeast Asia; and
WHEREAS, in 1984, The Moving Wall, a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, began traveling across America to bring healing to many who may never have the opportunity to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC; and
WHEREAS, from May 6 – July 2, 2012, The Moving Wall will be on display across Alaska in the communities of Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, Fairbanks, Wasilla, Ninilchik, and Anchorage. As the 2012 tour of The Moving Wall is its final visit to Alaska, the statewide theme for the tour is Remembrance – Gratitude – Farewell; and
WHEREAS, during this time, we recall the sacrifices of those who served, those who were wounded, those who gave their lives, and those who are still missing in Southeast Asia – you will never be forgotten.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim May 6 to July 2, 2012 as a time of:
Remembrance and Gratitude
for Vietnam veterans in Alaska, and encourage Alaskans who are able to visit The Moving Wall to honor all those who gave their lives in the Vietnam War, and ask all Alaskans to thank our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices.
Dated: May 3, 2012
