ANCHORAGE, Alaska—
Alaskans honored a late U.S. senator considered a legend in the state on Saturday, the first official Ted Stevens Day.After Stevens died last August in a plane crash near Dillingham, the state Legislature unanimously passed a measure to devote a day each year to him after 40 years serving the state.
The bill was signed into law early this year by Gov. Sean Parnell, who designated the fourth Saturday of July as Ted Stevens Day. Thousands of Alaskans turned out on Anchorage’s Delaney Park Strip for the Governor’s Picnic on the same day, many of whom fondly remembered Stevens.
“I really want that to commemorate today’s event, and just to have reflection on Ted Stevens Day,” said Anchorage resident Marva Watson.
Volunteer Cyndi Saunders says she saw a lot of people stop by the Ted Stevens Day booth at the picnic.
“I think people are interested in the history of Alaska because we are a pretty new state,” Saunders said.
People of all ages wore attire commemorating Stevens, from T-shirts to pins.
“Since I was a little girl, I always knew who he was and he's very special to Alaska,” said Portia Watson.
The special tie Stevens had with the state is something former aide Barb Mee, who worked with him for 35 years, knows very well. Mee said most Alaskans have a Ted Stevens story; she’s recently published hers, in the book “Senator Ted and Mee.”
“They’re gonna know more and more and more. They're gonna remember more and more and more -- all the good things Senator Stevens did,” said Mee.
Alaska's current congressional delegation is also honoring the late senator by doing what he loved: spending time outdoors.
“We all recognize that Ted Stevens was an exceptionally a hard worker, but he also loved to just be outside and enjoy what Alaska has to offer, and play in Alaska,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
“I think it's important that Ted Stevens would be happy to see so many people on the list of events that are going on today, just in Anchorage, and across the state,” said Sen. Mark Begich.
"Ted accomplished so many great things for the state of Alaska and we should honor him on this beautiful Alaskan day,” said Rep. Don Young on his Facebook page. “As Alaskans, we are blessed to have had such a great man serving our state for so many years."
Contact Christine Kim at ckim@ktuu.com
