In Anchorage, Alaska (KTUU), the Memorial Day ceremony holds more profound significance for Ray Thronson than just remembrance; it’s a day for introspection.
As a member of the Alaska Vets Motorcycle Club and a former Marine Corps serviceman who served during Desert Storm, Thronson understands firsthand the challenges of combat and the lasting impact it can have on veterans. Despite initially trying to suppress his memories of service, Thronson eventually recognized the importance of acknowledging and honoring them.
“In combat, there’s always this feeling that you might not make it back,” Thronson explained. “So when you return, it’s often a struggle to readjust. Many of us face that challenge.”
Thronson and fellow club members attended Anchorage’s annual Memorial Day ceremony at Delaney Park Strip. They participated in a “Rolling Thunder” tribute, revving their engines. The event commenced with introductions by Alaska Army National Guard Master Sgt. Adam Schwartz, followed by a presentation of colors by the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s Joint Color Guard.
The 11th Airborne Division Band performed the National Anthem and the Alaska Flag Song. U.S. Coast Guard Chaplain Kenneth Slaughter delivered the invocation, followed by welcoming remarks from Mayor Dave Bronson and Governor Mike Dunleavy.
Dunleavy reflected, “There’s a saying that all who served our nation gave some, but some gave all. Today, we pay tribute to those who gave everything — serving one’s nation is the greatest honor. Let us remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow Americans.”
Although Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski couldn’t attend due to prior commitments, her remarks were conveyed by USMC Veteran Greg Kaplan, underscoring the significance of honoring those who have made the “ultimate sacrifice.”
Senator Dan Sullivan delivered a speech reflecting on past ceremonies and recounted a poignant conversation with veteran Sgt—Kirt Alkire, stationed at JBER. Sullivan shared the powerful story of how Alkire carried 53 dog tags with him — symbolizing the number of Alaskan soldiers who lost their lives during his deployment to Iraq in 2006.
“Sgt. Alkire expressed his lifelong aspiration to honor the remarkable sacrifice of Alaskan and American heroes by naming a mountain in Alaska Gold Star Peak,” Sullivan remarked. “The challenging ascent to the 4,150-foot summit of Gold Star Peak, located nearby, may be arduous. However, Alkire’s efforts have transformed this Alaskan mountain into a place of solace for Gold Star families. Every Memorial Day weekend, families across America gather here to find healing.” Also, On Memorial Day in Fairbanks, Alaska, fields and hillsides were adorned with red poppy pins and American flags as five half-hour services occurred in various parks and cemeteries.
The Memorial Day ceremony concluded with remarks from keynote speaker Lt. Gen. David Nahom, Commander of the 11th Air Force, followed by the laying of wreaths and the fallen warrior ceremony by the Alaska Vets Motorcycle Club.
Ian White from Crow Creek Pipes and Drums performed “Amazing Grace,” accompanied by a 21-gun salute and Taps played by the 11th Airborne Division.
