After a recent proclamation by Gov. Sean Parnell, Sen. Ted Stevens Day was observed Thursday on the late senator’s birthday. Had he not been killed in a plane crash earlier this summer, Stevens would have been 87 years old.
Warm memories, inspiring stories and laughter marked people’s memories of Stevens on the day named for him, and many say that's how he would have wanted it.
Many Alaska political luminaries attended the celebration at the Performing Arts Center to say Stevens’ memory still lives for many, and was reflected in the drive he brought to public service.
“It's hard to find an Alaskan that hasn't been impacted by Sen. Stevens,” said Gov. Sean Parnell.
But Stevens’ legacy didn’t stop at Alaska’s borders. Parnell recalled a surprising observation made by an Egyptian general during a trip to the Middle East years ago.
“One of them pointedly looked at me and said, ‘That senator, Ted Stevens, of yours is instrumental here,’” Parnell said.
The same statement was also made by Israelis during Parnell’s trip -- a reminder, he says, of how Alaskans can make a difference across the world.
“If each of us were offered the microphone today, I think these tributes would go on for quite a while,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski. “Ted Stevens Day would morph into Ted Stevens Week and Ted Stevens Month.”
But even in the span of just a few hours, Stevens racked up plenty of tributes. A mountain in Denali National Park was named for him, as well as an ice field.
He was also remembered for key legislation that changed the world of sports for women and minorities.
“He gave us athletes the opportunity to pursue passion and love that was far bigger than ourselves,” said Alaskan Olympian Rosie Fletcher.
The Stevens family was given a mask in memory of Stevens’ Tlingit name, Celestial Bear.
“When you think of the mountain, think of the Celestial Bear up in the sky -- that was a traditional name given to him in his honor,” said Alaska Federation of Natives President Julie Kitka.
While Stevens could be ferocious about fighting for Alaska, he was also remembered as a man who liked to have fun. Murkowski talked about the time Stevens gave her a birthday present.
“Ladies and gentleman, today I'm sharing my 50th birthday present from Ted Stevens,” Murkowski said, revealing a tie marked with the Tasmanian Devil cartoon character.
Murkowski told the crowd she had never worn the tie until Thursday -- a tie that was a good match for the “Incredible Hulk” tie Stevens' daughter Lili gave Parnell. Stevens was famous for wearing his “Hulk” tie on the Senate floor during important votes.
“Sometimes things can get a little bit tough to fight for Alaska, and so I once gave this, something like this to somebody that I loved. I thought you should have one too, for tough days of battle,” Lili Stevens told Parnell.
Parnell said he hasn't decided yet just when he'll wear it, but promised it will be for a special occasion -- and that when he does so, he’ll mean business.
Another gift to the state was a $100,000 scholarship fund set up in Stevens' name to benefit Coast Guard and Alaska National Guard families.
Contact Rhonda McBride at rmcbride@ktuu.com
