Governor Honors Fallen Marines

A press release from the governor's office:

April 27, 2009, Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin today paid tribute to Marines who lost their lives in the Iraq war, with a visit to the “rolling war memorial” that passed through Juneau this afternoon.

The custom-painted H3 Hummer was commissioned by the mother of Marine Lance Corporal John Martin Holmanson, who was killed in action in Iraq, along with nine others, in December 2005. The artwork on the vehicle features images of the Marines, the Marine seal and an American flag.

“What a privilege to be able to honor fallen American heroes in this manner,” Governor Palin said. “The rolling memorial is a humbling reminder – to us all – of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom.”

During her visit to the rolling memorial, Governor Palin met with Haines Mayor Jan Hill and Holmanson’s grandfather, John Orr, also of Haines. The Hummer originally came to Alaska for the annual convention of American Legion, Alaska Department, held last week in Haines.

Photos from the event can be found here.

- JP