In Fairbanks, Alaska, red poppy pins and American flags they adorned fields and hillsides on Memorial Day as five half-hour services took place across various parks and cemeteries.
Ron Fowle from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3629 emphasized during his speech at Birch Hill Cemetery that the focus was on reflecting on the individuals behind the deeds and remembering them as people. Despite the verdant spring backdrop, attendees gathered to honor the fallen, standing solemnly among the graves.
Benno Cleveland, President of the Alaska Native Veterans Association, reminded the crowd at Clay Street Cemetery of the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives for others to live freely.
Other community and military leaders also took turns at the microphone on Monday, expressing solemn gratitude and recognition for the fallen servicemembers and their families and friends.
“We recognize that behind every fallen hero is a family that endured the absence of their loved one and carries the weight of their longing,” stated Col. Peter Kasarskis, Deputy Commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, during his speech at Birch Hill Cemetery.
The events, organized by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3629, included guest speakers, benedictions, and wreath-laying ceremonies accompanied by bagpipe tunes and other somber melodies.
Concluding each service was the solemn tradition of the 21-gun salute, paying respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving.
Ray Pulsifer from American Legion Post 57 spoke before the 21-gun salute at Clay Street Cemetery, reminding everyone to remember the grandfathers, fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, and now mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives who have served. “Never forget to remember,” he urged.
The annual Memorial Day services occurred at Fairbanks Veteran’s Memorial Park, Clay Street Cemetery, Birch Hill Cemetery, Northern Lights Cemetery, and Golden Heart Plaza.
