Legislature(2005 - 2006)BELTZ 211
03/23/2006 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB274 | |
| SCR21 | |
| SB214 | |
| SB215 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SCR 21 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| = | SB 274 | ||
| = | SB 214 | ||
| = | SB 215 | ||
SCR 21-VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL:MOVING WALL
CHAIR GENE THERRIAULT announced SCR 21 to be up for discussion.
He noted that a proposed committee substitute (CS), Version G
was in the packets.
3:45:11 PM
JOSH TEMPEL, Staff to Senator Charlie Huggins, presented SCR 21.
He explained that this issue is a big one for numerous veterans
across the state. The memorial will go to seven cities, and
people are ecstatic. Noting that many of Alaska's veterans have
seen extreme combat, Mr. Tempel suggested this memorial will
provide a chance for closure.
He said this will be educational, not just about the Vietnam
War, but also about America's veterans in general and what
they've given for our country. Although the memorial came to
Alaska about a decade ago, this time it will go to communities
where it has never been, including Bethel and Cordova.
Mr. Tempe offered his belief that Cordova has the highest
percentage of any city in the nation of fallen Vietnam veterans.
He explained that in honoring veterans across the state, it was
thought an appropriate title for this summer would be "a summer
of honor and a season of gratitude." He expressed hope that the
state would adopt that title for this summer.
3:47:57 PM
SENATOR CHARLIE HUGGINS, sponsor, added that Vietnam War
veterans, including himself, are now the majority of veterans,
since those who served in World War II are passing away.
Unfortunately, there are many scars from the Vietnam era, both
physical and mental. Thus he believes the wall will be
therapeutic. For some, it will bring closure, while others will
see it as a harsh reminder. What SCR 21 requests is a voice
from the Senate in recognition that the wall is going to
communities where it hasn't yet been, including the Matanuska-
Susitna area, Eagle River, Kodiak, and other places.
He mentioned teleconferencing with various communities about how
to make it happen. Senator Huggins surmised it will be a grand
occasion, though a somber one. He expressed pride in being a
small part of this, and commended Representative Thomas for
having a big part on behalf of Southeast Alaska. He concluded
by saying this is well deserved by veterans.
3:50:18 PM
CHAIR THERRIAULT asked for a motion to adopt the \G Version.
SENATOR BETTYE DAVIS moved [to adopt the proposed CS, Version G,
labeled 24-LS1682\G, Bannister, 3/14/06, as the work document].
Without objection, it was so ordered.
3:50:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BILL THOMAS informed members that he is a Vietnam
veteran from 1968. He thanked Senator Huggins and
Representative Stoltze for helping him get the memorial to
Cordova, where people were overwhelmed when they found out about
this; four of them were classmates with three young men whose
names are on the wall. Representative Thomas expressed great
pleasure that this is happening, agreeing there is a lot of
emotional scarring.
3:51:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS suggested a conceptual amendment [page 2,
line 3], to replace "a" with "the" after "2006"; thus the title
for the time period would begin "the summer of honor". He
offered his belief that this would be stronger language, and
asked if Senator Huggins agreed.
SENATOR HUGGINS concurred.
REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS expressed support for the resolution. He
said he's also working on getting the names on a citation, which
could be taken to each community. He noted that the platoon
sergeant for one young man who is listed on the memorial wall
lives in Skagway, and two soldiers in Haines and Sitka had
served with the young men he'd mentioned. Representative Thomas
said he is trying to find a way to take them to Cordova, where
the memorial will be on June 23. He thanked Senator Huggins and
Representative Stoltze for their assistance in Southeast Alaska.
3:53:01 PM
CHAIR THERRIAULT moved to adopt Amendment 1, on page 2, line 3,
after "2006", to change "a" to "the". Thus it would read: "the
summer of honor and a season of gratitude". He added that the
drafters would be asked to put it into whatever form is
necessary to clarify that the observance is to be given that
title. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
3:54:00 PM
SENATOR DAVIS moved to report CS for SCR 21, Version G [24-
LS1682\G, Bannister, 3/14/06], as amended, from committee [with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s)].
Without objection, CSSCR 21(STA) was reported from the Senate
State Affairs Standing Committee.
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