An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NEWS | Nov. 12, 2024

DMVA hosts 2024 Veterans Day ceremony, honors U.S. and Canadian servicemembers

By Staff Sgt. Seth LaCount 134th Public Affairs Detachment

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs held a Veterans Day ceremony at the Alaska National Guard Armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Nov. 11, 2024.

The adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard and commissioner of the DMVA, Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, gave the keynote speech, highlighting several stories about Alaska-based heroes and the sacrifices they made for their country. He highlighted the fact that one percent of the population in most U.S. states serve in the miliary, whereas Alaska’s service rate is 13 percent.

Benno Cleveland, who enlisted in the Army in 1968, received the Governor of Alaska’s Veterans Advocacy Award at the ceremony and expressed pride in the significant role Alaska Natives and Native Americans play in military service.
 
Cleveland shared that many serve to protect their homeland and communities, emphasizing the deep sense of duty tied to defending their heritage. He extended gratitude to other veterans and service members for their contributions to safeguarding the country.
 
“I want to thank you veterans,” Cleveland said. “I want you to know you are our warriors and will continue to be that. For those of you in and out of the service, we all share the oath that we took to protect one another.”
 
Presented on behalf of the governor’s office by Verdie Bowen, director of the Office of Veterans Affairs, the advocacy award is given annually to a recipient who demonstrates extraordinary service, compassion and commitment to veterans and their families.
 
Alaska’s quintet ensemble Glacier Brass began the ceremony by playing the Armed Forces Medley, a collection of six songs from each branch of the military.  Servicemembers stood to be recognized when their respective branch song played.
 
Cadets from the Alaska Military Youth Academy attended, sang the national anthem and state song, and served as the color guard.
 
Alaska’s rich tradition of military service dates to the formation of the Territorial Guard in WWII, when Alaska’s “Eskimo Scouts” patrolled Alaska’s coastline to thwart potential invasion from the Japanese military.
 
“Who will stand in the gap? That's the question for the future generations,” Saxe said.  “Who will stand in the gap? It's all of us working together. Thank you for the veterans who have been here, done it before me, before us.”
 
The event culminated with a wreath presentation ceremony and a moment of silence to honor fallen warriors and their sacrifice. A bagpiper played the hymn Amazing Grace followed by a trumpet rendition of taps by a member of the ensemble.
 
“I think for all of us who have worn a uniform, there comes a time when we realize that we would not be here without the folks that came before us,” Saxe said.
 
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, is a U.S. observed annually on November 11 and honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with holidays in several countries which mark the anniversary of the end of World War I.
 
“This is my first Veterans Day ceremony,” said Royal Canadian Armed Forces Brig. Gen. David Moar, NORAD Region deputy commander, as he stepped to the podium to address the audience. “Thank you so much for your inclusion. Canada is an ally in this ceremony and as a Canadian officer, it's a profound honor to be standing here with you today.”
 
Canada’s Remembrance Day recognizes the contributions of Canadian servicemembers throughout time who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day, and each member of the RCAF wears it proudly as a sign of unity and tribute to those who came before them.
 
“And even though we're separated by a national border, we Canadians and Americans have long been allies, partners in arms, protectors of liberty, defenders of democracy,” Moar said. “But today, as we stand here united on this day of remembrance, it's essential that we remind ourselves that we share so much more than just geographical proximity. We share a lot of history, and the history of collaboration, of joint sacrifice, and of unwavering commitments to the principles of freedom, equality, and justice.”
 
Coast Guard, Alaska Air National Guard rescue pilot at Iliamna Lake
November 26, 2024
Coast Guard, Alaska Air National Guard rescue pilot at Iliamna Lake

Alaska National Guard Brings Holiday Cheer to Circle, Alaska with Operation Santa Claus
November 26, 2024
na

Alaska National Guard flies 14,000 pounds of meat to Toksook Bay via IRT program
November 22, 2024
na

AKARNG deploys 208th Construction Management Team to Middle East, bolsters Guard’s commitment to federal missions
November 14, 2024
na

DMVA hosts 2024 Veterans Day ceremony, honors U.S. and Canadian servicemembers
November 12, 2024
na

Alaska Civil Air Patrol Wing to expand HF radio capability to increase emergency preparedness
November 6, 2024
na

Alaska Organized Militia, multi-agency teams join forces to aid Kotzebue flood recovery
October 28, 2024
Alaska Organized Militia members assigned to Joint Task Force - Kotzebue assist the Arctic Circle community with recovery efforts, Oct. 26, 2024, following a recent storm that caused severe flooding along Alaska’s West Coast. The 11-member team, including personnel from the Alaska Air and Army National Guard and the Alaska State Defense Force, was activated by the State Emergency Operations Center to support response and recovery efforts.

Alaska Organized Militia members arrive in Kotzebue to assist with storm response
October 25, 2024
Members of the Alaska Organized Militia assigned to Joint Task Force Kotzebue assess priority-one damaged homes in the Arctic Circle community of Kotzebue, Oct. 26, 2024. The team’s measurements will help local emergency managers determine supplies needed to repair and rebuild structures impacted by severe flooding along Alaska’s West Coast. Many buildings in the area sustained foundation, sub-floor, and insulation damage due to the storm. The 11-member team, including personnel from the Alaska Air and Army National Guard and the Alaska State Defense Force, was activated by the State Emergency Operations Center to support response and recovery efforts.

Alaska National Guard sending service members to assist with storm response in Kotzebue
October 24, 2024

1-297th Infantry Battalion changes command, honors Lt. Col. Bushatz
October 21, 2024
Alaska Army National Guard Lt. Col. Luke Bushatz, left, outgoing commander for the 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, passes the colors to Col. Michele Edwards, the commander of the 297th Regional Support Group, as part of a change of command ceremony on Oct. 20, 2024, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.