Thursday June 10, 2010
Thoughts and Photos from my Memorial Day Week Trip to Alaska
I spent the Memorial Day congressional recess back home in Alaska, holding community meetings, gathering with Alaska veterans to honor their service and participating in a women's leadership conference in Anchorage. I wanted to use this week's e-newsletter to share with you some of my thoughts as well as photos from my trip.
Observing Memorial Day with Alaska's Heroes
While attending a Memorial Day ceremony at the Alaska Veterans Memorial at Byers Lake, Sen. Murkowski holds the flag as she rides with Dan ‘Havoc' Coffey of the Alaska Vietnam Veteran's Motorcycle Club.
While home during the congressional recess, I was humbled to participate in a number of Memorial Day ceremonies.
In Anchorage, I attended a moving wreath laying ceremony at the Veterans' Memorial Flag Pole sponsored by the Korean War Veterans Association, and later traveled up to the Wasilla valley to participate in an observance at the Veterans Wall of Honor. It was a privilege to join with fellow Alaskans at both these events as we reflected on the service of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our great nation. I also rode with the Alaska Vietnam Veteran's Motorcycle Club and joined in their Memorial Day ceremony at the Alaska Veterans Memorial at Byers Lake. To all of Alaska's veterans, past and present, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your service to your country.
Please visit my photo page if you would like to see more photos of my Memorial Day travels
Summit Brings Women Leaders to the Last Frontier
Along with Sen. Murkowski,(from left) Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell and Capt. Melissa Bert participate in a closing panel at the Women's Leadership Summit. Capt. Bert is the Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector in Juneau. Speaking to the group is Dr. Laura Badeaux, Director of the Louisiana Center for Women and Government.
Last week, Alaska welcomed women leaders on energy and the environment as Anchorage hosted the National Women's Leadership Summit. It was an honor to co-chair the conference, and lead the closing ceremony with my colleague from Washington State, Sen. Maria Cantwell.
About 200 women attended the three-day summit. To gather so many women focused on these very key areas for our state, nation and our world was really quite exciting. Participants attended numerous panel discussions where they heard varying viewpoints and perspectives on how to balance the country's energy needs with environmental concerns, while safeguarding the economy.
It was encouraging to see women leaders from the private and public sector engage in a robust, healthy dialogue about our nation's energy policy, challenge each other and bring different sides to the debate. I believe all participants walked away with fresh and creative ideas that they can bring into their daily work as we determine the path ahead. I would like to thank all who attended, as well as the Louisiana Center for Women and Government, for organizing the event.
Photos from the Road
Sen. Murkowski addresses a Memorial Day gathering hosted by the Korean War Veterans Association in Anchorage. Along with Sen. Murkowski are (from left) Rep. Young and Sen. Begich.
Sen. Murkowski participates in a wreath laying ceremony at Veterans Wall of Honor in Wasilla during a Memorial Day ceremony.
Sen. Murkowski lays a wreath at the Alaska Veterans Memorial at Byers Lake during ceremonies in observance of Memorial Day.
 Sen. Murkowski visits with children at the Soldotna Community Playground. Sen. Murkowski visited the park to recognize the contributions of the volunteers and families who made the playground possible.
While in Talkeetna, Sen. Murkowski stopped in to visit with Alaskans at the Upper Susitna Senior Center.
While attending the Crab Festival in Kodiak, Sen. Murkowski stopped by the NRA's booth.
Sen. Murkowski visits with Cindy Palmatier of the Bird Treatment and Learning Center- Bird TLC- at Potter Marsh. While there, Sen. Murkowski helped release a rehabilitated Bald Eagle back into the wild. Photo credit: Britt Coon.
Sen. Murkowski opens the box and releases Rocky, a rehabilitated Eagle, back into the wild at Potters Marsh in Anchorage. Photo credit: Britt Coon.
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