Governor Jay S. Hammond Day
Effective Date: Saturday, July 21st, 2012
WHEREAS, Jay S. Hammond was born on July 21, 1922, in Troy, New York, and went on to serve two terms as Alaska’s fourth Governor; and
WHEREAS, prior to his arrival in Alaska in 1946, Jay Hammond served with the United States Navy in World War II, rendering valuable service to our nation. During his time as a Marine fighter pilot he first became interested in Alaska and decided to pursue his future in the north, where he became a bush pilot, master trapper, and hunting guide, and graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks; and
WHEREAS, Governor Hammond devoted himself to public service in spite of characterizing himself as a “reluctant politician,” representing Alaskans in both houses of the Alaska State Legislature, and serving as Mayor of the Bristol Bay Borough before being elected Governor in 1974; and
WHEREAS, Governor Hammond presided over the State of Alaska during a time of tremendous growth, including the construction of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System and the first development of Alaska’s North Slope oil resources. He worked to strengthen a diversified Alaskan economy based broadly in our wealth of renewable resources, encouraging the pursuit of Alaskan agriculture and establishing the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend; and
WHEREAS, following his career in public service, Governor Hammond continued his involvement with public issues and maintained an active interest and voice in Alaskan policy, serving on the Alaska Humanities Forum, the International North Pacific Fisheries Convention Advisory Committee, the Alaska Land Use Council, the Alaska Airmen’s Association, Inc., as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Rifle Association. He was named Alaskan of the Year in 1994, and was awarded the University of Alaska’s Medal of Merit; and
WHEREAS, countless Alaskans will continue to benefit from his contributions and legacy; he entrusted the people of Alaska with the future of this great state, and was adamant that Alaska’s wealth should be protected for and available to all Alaskans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim July 21, 2012 as:
Governor Jay S. Hammond Day
in Alaska, and encourage Alaskans to remember his service to our state and honor his memory on his birthday.
Dated: July 19, 2012
