ANCHORAGE, Alaska—
Monday afternoon saw the first of three celebrations of life for former Sen. Ted Stevens. People gathered at Holy Family Cathedral to pay their respects to the Alaska Republican, who was killed in an Aug. 9 plane crash near Dillingham with four other people. The cathedral was completely full Monday as hundreds of people across many different faiths came together to pay their respects. Several members of the Stevens family also attended the memorial Mass.
Archbishop Frances Hurley spoke about how the older generation has shaped the future. For the people in the crowd, it was a chance to remember a man who helped lead a state.
“We loved to have the opportunity to say goodbye to the man who we dearly loved and respect and wish him well in this journey,” said Beth Kenney, who attended the Mass.
“The future is with us old-timers, that's where the future is,” Hurley said. “Not that we're shuffling off this earth and getting out of the way, but because (of) so many that have given an example of hope, determination and accomplishment.”
Two upcoming services will also honor Stevens.
On Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Stevens will be lying in repose at All Saints Episcopal Church at 545 W. 8th Ave. The public is invited to attend, and the nearby Linny Pacillo Parking Garage will be open to the public.
At 8 p.m., Stevens' casket will be transported by motorcade to the Anchorage Baptist Temple west along 8th Avenue, then south on I Street and Minnesota Drive, then east on Benson and Northern Lights Boulevards. The public can stand along the route to show their support.
On Wednesday at 2 p.m., the Anchorage Baptist Temple will hold Stevens' memorial service. It is open to the public.
No public parking will be available at the Anchorage Baptist Temple. People are advised to park at the Tikahtnu Commons parking lot between Lowe's and Kohl's and board shuttle buses to the temple. Buses will depart from the east end of the Tikahtnu parking lot starting at noon.
Contact Rebecca Palsha at rpalsha@ktuu.com
