 by Dick Kauffman June 01, 2004
This year's observance carried added significance because of the war in Iraq where the sons and daughters of Ketchikan residents serve and have served, and where more than 800 Americans have died in service to their nation.  photo by Dick Kauffman
Landis said, "In this country, at this hour, we are well aware that honorable men and women serving in our military are making incredible sacrifices every day for our freedom. Some of our heroic soldiers are sacrificing their very lives for this country, and we owe them an eternal debt of gratitude for upholding the freedoms of this great nation." "These freedoms that are worth fighting for will always produce some exceptional soldiers and outstanding human beings, even in the face of a popular culture that seems to defy the concepts of discipline and honorable behavior." said Landis. "If one has any doubt of this assertion, a remarkable example is to be found in NFL Football player-turned-Army Ranger Patrick Tillman, who gave his life last month in combat. Pat Tillman gave up a multi-million dollar football contract, he gave up a comfortable life at home with his wife, and then he gave up his life for his country. Ranger Tillman's passing gives us a unique opportunity to focus on the meaning of Memorial Day for all fallen soldiers and their families they all have the same heartbreak and loss and pride," remarked Borough Vice-Mayor Landis. "And now we gather around this field and these walls, where some of our own Southeast Alaskan soldiers are resting. More of our heroes may yet be coming to this final resting place, and we want to recognize and remember all of them," Landis said. In his closing remarks, Landis said, "Hero is not too strong a word for those who gave their lives for our country. On the contrary, it is simply not strong enough."  photo by Dick Kauffman
Lt. Col. Donald Jim said, "Our nation and the world have changed significantly since September 11, 2001." He said our Memorial Day celebrations have acquired a deeper meaning. Spending the past years solemnly recollecting the lives of more than 3,000 American service members and civilians who died during the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, Lt. Col. Jim said "now more than ever, we recognize what it means to honor the lives of those who die in service to our great nation." Memorial Day is a day "We honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending America - those who were active duty and those who served in our reserve components. Those who were drafted and those who made the military a career," said Lt. Col. Jim.  photo by Dick Kauffman
He continued, "Regrettably, the deaths of September 11 have been followed by the deaths of soldiers sent abroad to prevent other such disasters." Lt. Col. Jim quoted President Bush, "It is our task - the task of this generation - to provide the response to aggression and terror. We have no other choice, because there is no other peace." "These are times that test us as citizens and define our nation," Lt. Col. Jim said. "The face of battle is changing with this new war, and America's military has already demonstrated it is prepared to meet the challenge." In his closing remarks, Lt. Col. Donald Jim said the point is that one million men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice at the request of their nation. He said their legacy will continue to live on in our memory, and we honor them as we will honor those who will come after them.  photo by Dick Kauffman
Also participating in the Memorial Day service were the Sweet Adelines singing the National Anthem and a patriotic medley. Pastor Scott Hart of the North Tongass Baptist Church gave the invocation and Paster Doug Edwards of the First Baptist Church gave the benediction. Speakers were introduced by Commander Kenneth Horn, VFW Post #4352 and the wreaths were placed by VFW Aux. President Lydia Mienar. The observance ended with the playing of Taps by Jeffrey Carlson followed by a 21 gun salute by the Alaska Army National Guard.
  photo by Dick Kauffman
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