The Purple Heart Trail Opens in Alaska

The Alaskan portion of the Purple Heart Trail will be dedicated in a ceremony this Saturday (June 6, 2009) at 11 a.m.  A ceremony will be held dedicating the portion of the Alaska Highway between Fairbanks and Delta Junction honoring those who have served their country and were awarded the Purple Heart Medal for their sacrifice.  The ceremony will be held at the Delta Junction Visitor's Center.

Senator Johnny Ellis of Anchorage sponsored a bill to dedicate a portion of the Alaska Highway to the Alaska Legistature.  The bill received a unanimous "yes"vote.  As is fitting, Senator Ellis will be the keynote speaker at the dedication.

The date chosen for the dedication is quite significant, as it marks the 65th anniversary of D-Day.  D-Day, the invasion of France on the Normandy Beach, was the beginning of the end of Word WarII conflict in Europe.  June 6, 1944 saw many a brave serviceman earn a Purple Heart Medal with the sacrificing of their lives and blood.

The Vietnam Motorcycle Club will conduct a Fallen Warrior ceremony at the dedication to honor all those who have defended this country and paid the price with their lives.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart began working in 1992 to establish a nationwide trail as a tribute to the men and women who have served and given their all for our freedom.  Since that time, 45 states have dedicated portions of their highways due to their efforts.  I am very proud that our great State of Alaska is among them.

It is only proper and right that we dedicate a portion of our roadway to honor those who have paved the road to freedom and to keeping this country free with their bloodshed.

Freedom is never "free"!
Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate expert

D-Day Video