WHEREAS, military families endure the pain of separation when a loved one is deployed, holding onto hope their family member will return home safely; and
WHEREAS, beginning in World War I, families displayed a flag bearing a blue star for each member of the family serving in active duty. If the family member died in service, the blue star was replaced with a gold star; and
WHEREAS, our nations Gold Star Families have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Alaska is home to approximately 300 of these treasured families, and we recognize the price they have paid in securing our freedoms; and
WHEREAS, we offer our sincere condolences and commitment to remember their service member’s legacy as one of valor, patriotism, and honor; and
WHEREAS, on this day, we honor the service members and their loved ones who carry their memories on with courage, and thank them for their continued service and commitment to our nation, and to Alaska.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Michael J. Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim September 29, 2019 as:
Gold Star Family Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to honor the Gold Star Families in our state, and offer their compassion, and support to the surviving family members of our fallen service men and women.
