Patriotism: Alaskan Style (A late Independence Day Post!)

From Anvil's Fishcamp on Steamboat Slough outside of Bethel, AK

The one thing I wanted folks living in urban Alaska and the rest of the world to know is that Alaska Natives have some of the highest per capita rates of military service in our country. 
These men and women serve with distinction and honor and deserve to be treated with respect when they return from war. They are given respect from their communities when they return home, but are we as a country giving them the support they have earned in fighting for us?
Local columnist, radio personality, and all around great person, Shannyn Moore recently wrote an ADN column that highlighted the number of veterans we are losing to suicide each month. Eighteen. That has stuck with me. Rural Alaska has some of the highest rates of service, but we also have epidemic rates of suicide (especially amongst rural youth).  Too bad we can't declare the war on terror over and instead declare war on the loss of hope and loss of indigenous languages and culture in our country.