SALCHA, Alaska –
Veterans and community members from the Fairbanks surrounding communities attended the Open House of the future site for the Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery in Salcha, Alaska, on July 29, 2024.
The 257-acre expanse is located on a hilltop off Johnson Road, about 30 miles south of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway. Several veterans gathered to visit with each other on top of the hillside grasslands, gazing across at the mountains overlooking the Tanana River.
Governor of Alaska Mike Dunleavy and Verdie Bowen, the director of Alaska's Office of Veterans Affairs, spoke at the open house.
“We couldn’t have the life we do, the country, and the dreams we have without your service and help,” said Dunleavy, addressing a handful of veterans at the ceremony. “The people who will be laid to rest here will be honored for their lives serving our great country. I want to thank everyone who was involved [in this project]. I’m glad we are doing something great for our vets.”
Bowen, whose team facilitated the procurement of the land and federal grant applications for construction, said he was extremely encouraged by the recent progress with the Salcha site.
“I think we are in a perfect position once the federal government awards the cemetery construction grant," he said. "Establishing this new Veterans cemetery is a whole community effort, and once the funds arrive, we are ready to start the next phase of the project: construction."
During the ceremony, former Alaska Representative from North Pole, Tammie Wilson, spoke about the Salcha location and how it will honor veterans laid to rest there.
“It is nice now because there is absolutely no doubt when you walk out here when the leaves are changing colors, you can see the mountains and the river, and it takes your breath away and for the people who gave their everything, what better place could there be,” she said.
Chaplain Raymond Lowdermilk of the 168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, provided the invocation. Veterans with the Fairbanks Vet Center and other volunteers spoke on behalf of their fellow veterans.