"It is important for all
of us to take a moment to reflect upon the sacrifices of our
military forces - soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines, and Coast
Guardsmen, including members of the Reserves and our Alaska National
Guard who've served there so far.
More than 1,000 Alaskans have
stepped forward to answer the call. Their families - in their
own way - parents, spouses, and children have also answered the
same call.
What we've seen, so far, is
a nation reborn from the ashes of tyranny and oppression to the
light of freedom and liberty. Thanks to the efforts of coalition
forces, more than 30 million people are experiencing a new and
open society. As Alaskans, as citizens of this Republic, we know
the price that free people pay.
For members of our Alaska National
Guard and Reserves, the role of local employers across the state
continues to have great significance. Their contributions, their
interest, and their support remains central to the success of
what our deployed forces are able to accomplish.
Our jobs are not done. In the
days ahead, more toil, more sacrifice, more effort will be needed
to root out the terrorists. But, I believe that we can and will
be successful."
