Dear Neighbor,

Initially established as “Armistice Day” in 1919 by President Wilson, November 11, was a time to commemorate the signing of an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations, which ended WWI a year prior.

Today, we recognize this day as Veteran’s Day, in honor of the brave men and women who have served our country. It’s a time to thank these soldiers for an often thankless job, and to reflect on the sacrifice of our fellow Americans to defend the freedoms and rights of our country.

In Alaska, there are more than 65,000 service members and their families stationed here. The Armed Services YMCA of Alaska is asking Alaskans to support the 10forTroops Campaign, designed to raise awareness and financial support for more than 30 programs and services offered free or at a very low cost to Alaska military families. The 10forTroops Campaign asks Alaskans to TAKE 10, GIVE 10 and ASK 10: Take 10 minutes to learn about the cause, give $10 to support the troops, and ask 10 friends to do the same.

Events Commemorating Veteran’s Day

Festival Fairbanks is hosting the 19th Annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony tomorrow, November 11 at 11am at the First Presbyterian Church on 7th and Cushman. The event will feature the 9th Army Band, POW/MIA ceremony, Speeches and comments by State and Local dignitaries, Post Commanders, and Sabre Arch by the Jr. ROTC. It’s completely free and parking is available at Sadler’s.

Remembrance Day National Roll Call will be held on the UAF campus outside Constitution Hall beginning at 8:00 am, and scheduled to conclude with closing remarks around 5:00 pm. Volunteers will read the 6,254+ names of the service men and women who have fallen during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The list of names from both theaters have been consolidated and will be read chronologically starting with the first to fall.

Thank you to all brave military veterans who have served our country in times of peace and war for the freedoms we enjoy in the United States of America.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,

Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative