Proclamations

WHEREAS, Blue Star Families seeks to empower military families by connecting them with their neighbors, individuals and organizations to help create vibrant communities of mutual support; and WHEREAS, we recognize the 600,00 active-duty and transitioning military...

WHEREAS, Alaska is abundant in diverse wildlife and its vast and expansive landscape provides bountiful resources; and WHEREAS, from big game hunting to sport fishing, Alaska’s hunting and fishing heritage is critical to the state’s economic and social well-being and...

WHEREAS, all Alaskans deserve access and opportunities to gain the academic, technical, and employability skills essential in leading prosperous and productive lives; and WHEREAS, Alaska Adult Education and Literacy programs have been aiding Alaskans since 1942 with...

WHEREAS, quality forensic science plays an essential role in investigating a myriad of crimes, from exonerating the innocent to identifying the guilty; and WHEREAS, forensic science provides a critical role in public outreach and crime prevention, and is emerging in...

WHEREAS, throughout American history, generations of military servicemen and women have epitomized patriotism by sacrificing their own personal safety and wellbeing to protect our country, our people, our freedom , and the values we cherish; and WHEREAS, too many of...

WHEREAS, today marks 22 years since the American people faced the worst terrorist attack on United States soil on September 11, 2001; and WHEREAS, while the attacks were meant to create discord in our Great Nation, Americans responded by banding together in a...

WHEREAS, protecting the health and wellness of Alaskans is key to ensuring a stronger future for our families and communities; and WHEREAS, suicide is the most tragic consequence of mental and emotional illness and distress, and is one of the top ten causes of death...

WHEREAS, providing healthy environments for infants and children to develop and grow is essential in ensuring the well-being and productivity of future generations of Alaskans; and WHEREAS, consuming alcohol at any stage of pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum...

WHEREAS, the State of Alaska is committed to protecting its residents and those visiting our great State by ensuring that our medical centers have a safe and sufficient supply of blood; and WHEREAS, a local in-state accessible blood supply is crucial for treating...

WHEREAS, it is imperative for all Alaskans to understand the effectiveness and need for affordable, accessible, and high-quality substance abuse treatment; and WHEREAS, substance abuse and co-occurring mental disorders and co-existing physical illnesses are...

WHEREAS, our most precious resource is our children and their well-being is vital to a bright future for Alaska; and WHEREAS, receiving a cancer diagnosis is distressing at any age, but it is even more heartbreaking when the patient is a child, pediatric cancer is the...

WHEREAS, fentanyl is a high-addictive synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, and it is made legally and used pharmaceutically, but has also become a prevalent substance in counterfeit pills and is frequently...

WHEREAS, for over fifty years, community health centers have provided accessible and affordable healthcare to underserved and uninsured members of communities across the nation; and WHEREAS, a community health center’s Board is comprised of patients to ensure that the...

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proclaimed the first National Farmers Market Week in 1999 to raise awareness of local efforts nationwide for producers to sell directly to customers; and WHEREAS, a farmers market is an organized assembly of food producers...

WHEREAS, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has courageously protected our country’s shores since August 4, 1790, and the Coast Guard is the nation’s oldest continuous seafaring service; and WHEREAS, nearly three-quarters of Alaskans reside along our 47,300 miles of...

WHEREAS, Alaskans enjoy numerous outdoors activities year round. From hiking to hunting, many of those activities involve the use of firearms; and WHEREAS, countless Alaskans rely on and take pride in the ability to utilize firearms to feed and protect their families,...

WHEREAS, since before World War II, the Alaska National Guard has acted as a first line of defense for the United States of America; and WHEREAS, the Alaska National Guard serves our nation when called by federal service, but National Guard members stand ready to...

WHEREAS, Alaska celebrated Rural Transit Day for the first time on July 16, 2020, to focus on what agencies have done, and are doing, to recognize the specialized needs of rural passengers and staff, and as the reliance on rural transit has grown, so, too, has the...

WHEREAS, some 247 years ago, a group of visionaries – our founding fathers – set out to establish a new and independent nation, unlike any other, based on the philosophies of a representative democracy to affirm and safeguard each citizen’s personal right to pursue...

WHEREAS, Alaska’s extensive road systems allow for transportation of Alaskans and visitors to travel for work, school, and pleasure with the reasonable expectation of respectful and attentive treatment from fellow drivers; and WHEREAS, impaired driving remains a...

WHEREAS, Alaska is a state with many outdoor recreational opportunities that attract residents and visitors to a world-class setting; and WHEREAS, these opportunities include winter and summer activities, such as hiking, hunting, mountaineering, skiing, snow...

WHEREAS, Alaska has an abundance of plant and animal species that enhance the natural beauty of our great state, and contribute to the health of our ecosystems and industries; and WHEREAS, pollinator species, such as bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles, and...

WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, Union Soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas under General Order No. 3 to enforce President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation; and WHEREAS, on the anniversary of the Galveston announcement, the State of...

WHEREAS, the State of Alaska is thankful for the continuation of strong international relations with the Republic of Korea, and Alaskans appreciate the Korean community’s many contributions to the economic and cultural diversity of the Last Frontier; and WHEREAS, the...

WHEREAS, the scenic mountains, meadows, rivers, and coastal bays of Alaska are prized for their diverse and abundant wild plants, fish, and wildlife; and WHEREAS, Alaskans rely on native flora and fauna, cultivated crops, and local livestock to feed their families,...

WHEREAS, on June 3, 1942, six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, World War II arrived in Alaska as Dutch Harbor on Amaknak Island was bombed by Japanese aircraft – the first aerial attack by an enemy on the continental United States; and WHEREAS, the Japanese...

WHEREAS, Alaska is known for its expansive landscapes, and people from around the world come to experience the breathtaking views and diverse wildlife the Last Frontier has to offer; and WHEREAS, throughout Alaska’s changing seasons, an abundance of recreational...

WHEREAS, America was founded on the principles of liberty and justice for all, and we recognize the generations of brave, patriotic men and women who have served in the military and have given their lives to protect and defend our nation; and WHEREAS, each year on the...

WHEREAS, Alaska offers numerous outdoor water activities, including kayaking, river rafting, sport fishing, and boating, on the multitude of available waterways, and Alaska’s lakes, rivers, and coastline are used for recreation, work, and transportation; and WHEREAS,...

WHEREAS, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. WHEREAS, we carry on this tradition of recognition and remembrance as a...

WHEREAS, Arbor Day was first recognized by the State of Alaska in 1966 with the intent “to increase public awareness of the vital importance of the conservation and propagation of trees and forests to the everyday life of the citizens of Alaska”; and WHEREAS, the...

WHEREAS, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. WHEREAS, we carry on this tradition of recognition and remembrance as a...

WHEREAS, children are Alaska’s most valuable asset, and high quality care, stimulating learning environments, and positive early experiences help prepare them for a bright and successful future; and WHEREAS, although parents are the most important caregivers in a...

WHEREAS, Alaska’s expansive landscapes are known to contain tremendous deposits of gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper, coal, gravel, rare earth minerals, and other critical and strategic minerals that are an essential component of our nation’s economy and security; and...

WHEREAS, public servants play a critical role in providing and supporting the framework within which Alaska’s schools, businesses, and communities can thrive; and WHEREAS, Alaska is home to thousands of federal, state, and local public servants who work tirelessly...

WHEREAS, nurses are a critical component of our health care system, and the dedicated and compassionate professionals in this field are essential in maintaining a high quality of life for all; and WHEREAS, the prerequisites of nursing include a commitment to selfless...

WHEREAS, Correctional Officers are trained law enforcement professionals dedicated to maintaining safe and secure correctional facilities and ensuring public safety; and WHEREAS, the duties of Correctional Officers include the supervision, care, and rehabilitation of...

WHEREAS, public servants play a critical role in providing and supporting the framework within which Alaska’s schools, businesses, and communities can thrive; and WHEREAS, Alaska is home to thousands of federal, state, and local public servants who work tirelessly...

WHEREAS, general public and firefighter safety is a priority within wildland fire management, and several agencies and organizations in Alaska share a common goal of providing protection while preserving and enhancing the health of forests and wetlands; and WHEREAS,...

WHEREAS, nurses are a critical component of our health care system, and the dedicated and compassionate professionals in this field are essential in maintaining a high quality of life for all; and WHEREAS, the prerequisites of nursing include a commitment to selfless...

WHEREAS, all Alaskans have the right to safety and justice, and the elevated rates of missing and murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP) in Alaska continues to be an issue; and WHEREAS, in 2021, Alaska reported 229 cases of missing and murdered Indigenous persons – 149...

WHEREAS, in 1952, a joint resolution by Congress declared an annual day of prayer, and in 1988, the law was amended to permanently set the day as the first Thursday in May each year; and WHEREAS, faith has played a significant role in American history and has inspired...

WHEREAS, from farmers feeding the miners of the 1800s gold rush to feeding the settlers of the Tanana Valley, Alaskan agricultural frontiersman have been instrumental in the development of sustainable Alaskan communities; and WHEREAS, Alaska’s 1,050 farms provide...

WHEREAS, Alaska’s extensive road system provides some of the most beautiful views in the world and make Alaska an ideal location for motorcycle and motor scooter use; and WHEREAS, many registered motorcyclists, who undergo extensive training and testing in order to...

WHEREAS, it is our responsibility to guide, inspire, and encourage our youth to go forth and serve America by becoming productive citizens; and WHEREAS, to achieve this worthy objective, we should demonstrate our understanding of the hopes and aspirations of our young...

WHEREAS, Alaska offers spectacular scenery for biking and recreation on a multitude of roads and trails; and WHEREAS, May is National Bike Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, and is celebrated in communities from coast to coast; and WHEREAS,...

WHEREAS, Alaska is renowned for its beautiful lakes, rivers, and thousands of miles of coastline that all provide a wide variety of water-related activities for Alaskans and visitors to enjoy as part of the unique outdoor experience that life in the Last Frontier...

WHEREAS, one in 25 adults today live with a variety of mental health disorders and illnesses, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and a growing number of other debilitating behavioral health conditions; and WHEREAS,...

WHEREAS, the children of Alaska are our most precious resource, and every child deserves a safe, loving, and stable home in which to grow, learn, and play; and WHEREAS, children in our communities that must be temporarily removed from their home to address their...

WHEREAS, Alaskans are committed to recognizing that our growth and strength depends on the safety and effectiveness of our homes, buildings, and infrastructure, in everyday life and when disasters strike; and WHEREAS, our confidence in the resilience of these...

WHEREAS, aviation is an essential part of the Alaskan way of life because eighty-two percent of Alaska’s communities are inaccessible by road and they rely heavily on aviation for commerce, transportation, emergency medical services, shipment of essential goods, and...

WHEREAS, Alaska has a rich cultural history that includes the values of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; and WHEREAS, the culture of our communities is comprised of many languages, beliefs, and traditions that strengthen the social fabric of our diverse state;...

WHEREAS, the number of older Americans who call Alaska home continues to rise, and those individuals benefit our communities by sharing their experience, strength, and resiliency; and WHEREAS, Alaska’s older people are esteemed members of our society, and their wealth...

WHEREAS, native plants are indigenous species that have evolved alongside native wildlife and occur naturally in a particular geographic region, ecosystem, and habitat; and WHEREAS, native plants are essential for healthy, diverse, and sustainable ecosystems and are...

WHEREAS, America’s success has been driven by pioneers who think big, take risks, and work hard, and in Alaska, we recognize that our small business sector is one of the greatest strengths of our prosperous state; and WHEREAS, from the storefront shops that anchor...

WHEREAS, Denim Day was created in April 1999 as a symbol of protest in response to an Italian high court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight denim pants; and WHEREAS, Denim Day is intended to draw attention to the fact that rape...

WHEREAS, throughout our country, millions of people of all ages, and from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, find themselves victimized by crime each year; and WHEREAS, those who have fallen victim to crime are not always identified or open about their...

WHEREAS, spring in Alaska brings the potential for devastating floods caused by ice jams in rivers, coastal storm surging, high precipitation, and rapid thawing of winter snow and ice that threatens lives, property, and community economies along major waterways; and...

WHEREAS, many brave Alaskans serve in the United States military, and military members sacrifice time with their families to protect the security and freedom of our great nation; and WHEREAS, Alaskans recognize and commend the children in our communities who show...

WHEREAS, situations that require the assistance of law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical responders can occur at any time; and WHEREAS, when an emergency occurs, the prompt response of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics is critical to...

WHEREAS, for more than two centuries, men and women in the United States Armed Forces have served our nation with courage, honor, devotion, and sacrifice; and WHEREAS, on this day in 1942, the largest number of Americans to ever surrender were captured by the Japanese...

WHEREAS, the week of April 3-9, 2023, is National Public Health Week, and the theme is “Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health.”; each day of the week has a unique theme, and so this year’s themes are Community, Violence Prevention, Reproductive and Sexual...

WHEREAS, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson worked tirelessly to advocate for the values of education, morality, and civic duty throughout his life, and in 1978, United States Congress validated Rabbi Schneerson’s efforts with the proclamation of Education and Sharing...

WHEREAS, children are our most precious resource, and the early years of a child’s life are vital in promoting social skills and cognitive development; and WHEREAS, parents, community volunteers, mentors, coaches, day care providers, and all other members of our...

WHEREAS, every person is entitled to the inalienable right of being treated with dignity and compassion, and those who have fallen should be given the opportunity to become contributing members of our great nation once again; and WHEREAS, reentering society after...

WHEREAS, every child is entitled to love, care, security, and protection from abuse, exploitation, and neglect, and we must protect our children’s inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and WHEREAS, child abuse is one of our society’s most...

WHEREAS, Alaska is blessed with an abundance of wildlife and the state’s healthy wildlife populations have a significant impact on the Alaskan way of life; and WHEREAS, our state is notably home to all three species of North American bears, including approximately...

WHEREAS, many brave Alaskans serve in the United States military, and military members sacrifice time with their families to protect the security and freedom of our great nation; and WHEREAS, Alaskans recognize and commend the children in our communities who show...

WHEREAS, on the 22nd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Alaskans are reminded that we must keep working together to increase public consciousness of this issue and reinforce the network of support groups that provide resources to survivors and those at...

WHEREAS, the cultural diversity of Alaska is comprised of many languages, belief systems, and traditions that strengthen the social fabric of our state; and WHEREAS, we respect the heritage and traditions of all cultures in our communities, and we are proud to be...

WHEREAS, throughout the history of our Great State and Nation, countless courageous individuals have bravely answered our Country’s call to patriotic duty; and WHEREAS, the Vietnam War lasted for almost two decades, making it one of the longest military conflicts in...

WHEREAS, emergency preparedness is vital to survival in times of crisis, and as one of the world’s most seismically-active regions, Alaska is highly vulnerable to earthquakes; and WHEREAS, of the 20 largest earthquakes in United States history, 16 of them have...

WHEREAS, emergency preparedness at state, regional, and local levels is extremely vital for survival in times of crisis; and WHEREAS, Alaska has the most coastline of any U.S. State and its coastline contains many communities that are vulnerable to tsunamis generated...

WHEREAS, born the middle son of Lawhead Young Sr. and Arlene Young-Harris on June 9, 1933, in Meridian, California, Donald Edwin Young was the fourth Congressman to represent Alaska and the 45th Dean of the United States House of Representatives; and WHEREAS, after...

WHEREAS, our nation has been shaped by the actions of women of every socioeconomic background, and women play a role in every field of professional employment, representing a significant portion of the workforce; and WHEREAS, construction professionals play a critical...

WHEREAS, as one of the nation’s oldest and most recognized humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross has long been a symbol of the compassion and selflessness that defines the American way of life; and WHEREAS, the American Red Cross is notable for providing...

WHEREAS, founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938, March of Dimes funded the development of two vaccines that virtually eliminated the crippling disease of polio; and WHEREAS, in 1958, the organization shifted its attention from polio to the prevention of...

WHEREAS, developmental disabilities affect more than an estimated 11,500 Alaskan children, adults, and families; and WHEREAS, a developmental disability is a lifelong, chronic mental or physical impairment that manifests itself before a person reaches the age of 22...

WHEREAS, a rare disease or disorder is a physical condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people. Approximately 25 million people in the United States and 400 million worldwide are affected by Rare Diseases and Disorders; and WHEREAS, there are many different causes...

WHEREAS, born on July 4, 1911 in Petersburg, Alaska, Elizabeth Peratrovich was an Alaskan Native woman of the Tlingit nation that was instrumental in the campaign against ending the discrimination that plagued the Alaska territory, and in doing so, she left a...

WHEREAS, President Ronald Wilson Reagan was a prominent leader who was dedicated to representing American values on a global scale; and WHEREAS, President Reagan, 40th President of the United States, helped reshape national politics with his vision to transform...

WHEREAS, the well-being of Alaskans is of the utmost importance, and is greatly enhanced through increased awareness of threats to personal health; and WHEREAS, cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, while in Alaska, cancer has been the leading cause...

WHEREAS, in 1976, as Americans celebrated the national bicentennial, President Gerald Ford urged the nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history” and, for the...

WHEREAS, all Alaskans have the right to healthy and safe relationships, and it is of utmost importance that adequate education about healthy relationships be available to Alaska’s youth, as well as safe shelter for those who are experiencing abuse; and WHEREAS, dating...

WHEREAS, in the Great State of Alaska, we seek the betterment of our citizens and look to provide every individual with access to quality educational opportunities; and WHEREAS, career and technical education (CTE) provides students with the knowledge, academic and...

WHEREAS, all children in Alaska should have access to the highest quality education possible; and WHEREAS, the State of Alaska recognizes that educational opportunities are critical to our state’s future because effective education is a key component in preparing...

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream of expanding equality and justice for all helped advance our nation and redirect the conversation about race for generations of Americans; and WHEREAS, born during a time of heightened racial discrimination and oppression...

WHEREAS, protecting the safety and wellbeing of all Alaskans is the first priority and highest calling of the State of Alaska. It is important that all citizens know and understand the duties and responsibilities of their law enforcement officers and agencies; and...

WHEREAS, Alaska’s youth are Alaska’s future, and it is important that we strengthen and challenge their minds through effective mentoring; and WHEREAS, a mentor dedicates time to a young person to help them develop personal strength and reach their full potential...

WHEREAS, December 7, 2022, marks the 81st anniversary of the attack on the United States at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and WHEREAS, this military assault claimed the lives of over 2,400 American soldiers and citizens and injured over a thousand more, and the resulting...

WHEREAS, starting in 1988 and recognized annually on December 1st, World AIDS Day is a global event to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS, and to honor and support those living with and affected by HIV; and WHEREAS, this year’s international focus is “...

WHEREAS, Alaska’s children are our future, and every child deserves to experience the security and love of a stable home; and WHEREAS, on an average day, thousands of Alaskan children are unable to remain safely in their homes; as of August 2022, 2,892 children were...

WHEREAS, our nation was built upon the belief that all citizens are guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and WHEREAS, the freedoms we enjoy and values we hold dear as Americans do not come without  sacrifice, so as our...

WHEREAS, women have served honorably and courageously in all of America’s wars and conflicts since the American Revolution, but their service was traditionally left unrecognized; and WHEREAS, although women did not officially receive permanent military status until...

WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive and degenerative brain disease that affects memory, thinking, decision-making, and behavioral processes, and hinders the cognitive ability to care for oneself, eventually leading to...

WHEREAS, Alaska is a culturally rich and diverse land comprised of the Iñupiaq of Northwest Alaska, the Athabascan of the Interior, the Yup’ik and Cup’ik of Southwest Alaska, the Unangax of the Aleutian Islands, the Alutiiq of Southcentral Alaska, and the Tlingit,...

WHEREAS, all Alaskans, regardless of age, ability, or location deserve access to the wide variety of health care options in Alaska; and WHEREAS, we are blessed to live in a time when medicine and technology have helped us live longer; however, despite these advances,...

WHEREAS, nearly one out of ten small businesses across the United States are veteran owned - from Main Street store fronts to virtual high-tech startups that advance America, veteran owned small businesses are a pillar of our economy and contribute to the foundation...

WHEREAS, the health, safety, and education of all Alaska’s children is essential to the happiness, success, and well-being of Alaska’s families and communities; and WHEREAS, Alaska’s youth can have enriched academic careers when they are provided an array of...

WHEREAS, on October 18, 1867, Alaska officially became a United States Territory after the formal transfer from Russia; and WHEREAS, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million in March of 1867, although the formal transfer did not officially occur...