Viet Nam Vets
Motorcycle club Alaska
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Viet Nam Vets |
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Nam Vets Motorcycle Club ALASKA
celebrates the 50th anniversary of Veteran’s Day
Another riding season has past for the Anchorage Chapter of the VNV M/C ALASKA. However, it does not mean that our commitment to the community and veterans ends with the snowfall. This was certainly a wacky fall with the extended riding period; unfortunately it ended two days before Veteran’s Day. So we trucked it on over to the National Guard Armory on Fort Richardson to participate in the 50th annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony. The Ceremony was conducted in doors so weather was not a factor. For those of you who do not know, Veteran’s Day originated from Armistice Day. World War I concluded in 1918 and the treaties were signed on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at 11 am. In 1930, congress officially named the day Armistice Day. In 1954, congress changed the name to Veteran’s Day to celebrate all those who served in the armed services. (Note: this is the counterpart to Memorial Day when we remember those who died in the service to our country) The week surrounding Veteran’s Day is also proclaimed National Veteran’s Appreciation Week.
The ceremony was emceed by local radio personality Jim Robbins and included Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski and his wife Nancy, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, and numerous general officers both active duty and National Guard. The keynote speaker was General Paul Garner of recent Iraq fame. He gave a motivating speech about veterans from Valley Forge to present day. The Presidents and Governor’s proclamations were read to a crowd of well over 500 people. An ensemble from Brigham Young University sang and danced a couple of Native American songs. They were dressed in traditional outfits with feather headdresses and buckskin. Members from the VNV M/C ALASKA performed the Fallen Warrior Ceremony and as always, brought tears to the eye when Dan from the Alaskan Highlander bagpipe’s performed Amazing Grace at the conclusion.
PFC Patrick Miller was also in attendance. He was in the convoy that got separated from their unit during the main attack in Operation Iraqi Freedom and was engaged by Iraqi forces. This was also the engagement where the Iraqis captured PFC Lynch. PFC Miller was one of only 16 to survive the engagement out of the 33 soldiers in his unit. He was awarded the Silver Star for actively fighting the enemy until he ran out of ammunition. The ceremony also recognized veterans of the Alaska Territorial Guard for their service from 1941 to 1947 defending Alaska against the potential invasion by Japanese Forces during WWII. As you know, Alaska was the only part of the United States to be invaded during WWII. The islands of Attu and Kiska were attacked for several days. Only the fierce fighting by the troops stationed in Alaska and the 11th Air Force prevented the islands from being captured. Over 100 military and civilians were killed or wounded during the defense of the islands.
Veteran’s Day is not only an important day for Americans, but it is important to the Canadians as well. The Veteran’s Day Ceremony also included the Canadian Forces station here in Alaska observing their Remembrance Day (like our Memorial Day). The Canadians sent a million soldiers to fight in WWII and had 45, 000 men and women lost during the war. There are many Canadians buried in the National Cemetery on Fort Richardson.
After the ceremony concluded, the National Guard hosted a lunch for the homeless veterans who attended the event. Great chow and fellowship was had by all. Later that night, the Anchorage Chapter put on our annual Veteran’s Day Bash at out clubhouse. Members of ABATE and other folks from around Anchorage where in attendance to witness the raffling off of the $2200 bracelet donated to us by Fred Becker of the Fred Meyer store on Muldoon. The money will help us provide for veterans and their families over the holidays. If you are interested in participating in up coming ceremonies and other veteran’s related causes, please contact Scrounger at (907) 227-3155. Feel free to visit us at our web site at www.vnvmc-ak.com.
submitted by Scrounger
11/14/03