Memorial for Former Senator Ted Stevens

 

Senator Ted Stevens was beloved by many people in his home state of Alaska. The affects of his works have been far reaching. No matter what a person's politics, you have to admire what he accomplished for the Alaska people.

Former Senator Stevens and four others were killed in a plane crash on Monday near the small fishing town of Dillingham, in Southwest Alaska. There were nine people on board the 1957 DeHavilland DHC-3 Otter when it crashed into a rocky, brush-covered hillside. Among the survivors are former NASA chief Sean O’Keefe and his son Kevin, who were treated for broken bones and released from a hospital in Anchorage. Funeral arrangements are set for next Wednesday at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Anchorage.

While walking home from Alaska Commercial (AC) today, I came across a memorial to Senator Stevens near the health center. Beneath a hand-painted sign was a chicken-wire grid where bouquets of flowers had been inserted. A large teddy bear was was attached with wire to the mesh. With a sense of urgency, I rushed home to get my camera. This was something that had to be captured and documented. Yesterday there was a bundle of plastic flowers that had been affixed to a post of the unfinished sign. At the time, I wondered if someone had died there like you see along the highway sometimes. Well not there, but someone very important had died and a memorial for one of Alaska's most famous citizen was coming alive.

 

Remembrances could be seen and felt everywhere. Flags were flying at half staff at the health center and city hall. Tributes to the man have been airing on the radio. Articles can be found in newspapers and on the Internet.

Our community mourns the loss of this great man. Many persons around the state will fly to Anchorage for the service. No one can rival the popularity of this man of Alaska. He is missed.