Veterans Day in Kotzebue

Presentation of the colors.

Many arrived this morning for the Veterans Day Celebration at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center where a statue commemorating those who served honoring in the Alaska Territorial Guard during World War II. Heartfelt remarks were made regarding those native Alaskans who answered the first call of duty back in the early 1940s. Tears fell for those who died and for those who fought to maintain our freedom.

A celebration for veterans began in Kotzebue during the early 1980s when a handful of locals first began to assemble at the Senior Citizens Cultural Center to share their stories. The ATG servicemen were much younger then, one of the presenters recounted. Each year they talked of their participation in the second world war. ATG servicemen protected Alaska's shores from a possible Japanese attack. Some fought when the Japanese invaded our country on the Aleutian Islands. Others kept the supply line safe while aircraft was transported to Russia to fight the Germans on the Eastern Front.

Highest Ranking Native Alaskan in U.S. military.

The commemoration of veterans has grown over the years and culminated into the most involved celebration yet. Activities included a greeting and remarks by Brigadier General Julio Banez whose father had served in the military while living in Alaska. Among those participating in the ceremony included members of the brigadier general's staff, a color guard and Sergeant Major Wilfred Lane, the highest ranking native Alaskan serving in the U.S. military.

Present were a few ATG veterans that the Northwest Arctic borough had flown in from nearby villages. The president of the Borough Assembly Walter Sampson spoke of the effects of being a soldier had been on his life. His gratitude, and that of his comrades, were expressed in his slow and heartfelt words. He encouraged us to thank veterans for their service. He said that soldiers carry a guilt for those who did not make it home.

Added to the ceremony was the presentation of a medal to the family of the late ATG serviceman James Oyagachiaq Norton Sr. Before his recent passing at age 97, he was the eldest elder in the region. One of his daughters works for the city and his son-in-law is the mayor of Kotzebue.

Nikaitchuat Singers from the Kotzebue IRA immersion school

As part of the festivities, the Nikaitchuat Singers performed the pledge of allegiance and sang My Country Tis of Thee in Inupiak. Dressed in traditional clothing, these young children attend the immersion school in town. The Northern Lights Dancers performed an Inupiak welcome dance. Dignitaries, who represent our region on the state and federal level, were also in attendance. State representative Reggie Joule offered words of praise for those served and encouraged the audience to do the same.

State representative Reggie Joule.

The patriotism shared was deep and heartfelt. May this celebration serve as a reminder to all of us to be grateful to veterans who fought to maintain our freedom and for those all over the world who are continuing to do so on our behalf. May we give praise and honor to those who served or continue to serve our country in this way.