In the Sentinel 75, 50 and 25 years ago.
November 11, 1938: The story of the first Armistice Day celebration in Wrangell was told in the Wrangell Sentinel of November 14, 1918, as follows: More than 142 years ago, in the city of Philadelphia, a bell rang out the news that a nation had been born with Liberty as its watchword, rang and rang that all might know the wonderful tidings. A few years ago, bells everywhere proclaimed the fact that this nation, grown to a mighty world power, had helped win liberty for a war-wracked world, and freedom from oppression and autocratic rule. November 11, 1918 will ever be a day to remember with hearts a-thrill with pride and joy. The signing of the armistice brought to a realization that for which that Allied nations and the United States have fought and bled and suffered and sacrificed. The far-reaching effect of the victory cannot be overestimated. Wrangell celebrated the event with enthusiasm. When it became known definitely that the signing had taken place and it was only a question of a short time before the President's proclamation would be the announcement of the victory made in such a manner that all would know the important news as soon as possible.
November 8, 1963: A plea to have an American flag flying at every home and business or industrial firm in Wrangell on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11, was voiced today by Commander Dick Ballard of Merlin Elmer Palmer Post No. 6 of the American Legion here. “In the interest of showing the rest of the world the unity of the American people, every home, every business firm, every industrial plant throughout the land should display an American flag on Veterans Day,” Commander Ballard said. The local Legion leader explained that the eyes of the world, and particularly those of the forces of world Communism are constantly watching for any signs of internal weakness which might forecast the downfall of the United States. “Here in Wrangell, we can do our share toward the discouragement of any such thoughts about a weak, apathetic, dispirited American citizenry by flying the Star-Spangled Banner on this patriotic holiday,” Commander Ballard declared. He further urged homes which do not have a flag to obtain one, not only to display on Veterans Day, but also on patriotic holidays and other appropriate occasions. Commander Ballard also reminded that all citizens of Wrangell are invited to participate in the community-wide observance of Veterans Day which is sponsored by the American Legion and Wrangell High School. The program will be held in the high school auditorium at 11 a.m. on Monday morning. Governor William A. Egan will be guest speaker. The program will be interspersed with music provided by the high school band and high school chorus.
November 10, 1988: Alaska Airlines is proposing to continue serving five Southeast Alaska communities with jet service with an annual subsidy from federal government of nearly $1.5 million. In its proposal to the Office of Essential Air Service in Washington, D.C., the Seattle based air carrier proposes to serve Wrangell, Petersburg, Yakutat, Gustavus and Cordova with 737 aircraft for an annual federal subsidy of $1,583,588. The proposal covers subsidized service to the five communities from October 1988 through Dec. 31, 1990. “Alaska will offer no less than daily jet round-trip service with B737 aircraft to Cordova, Petersburg, Wrangell and Yakutat on a year-round basis,” the company says in its proposal to the federal agency. “Alaska is also offering service to Gustavus during the peak summer season with B727 equipment.” During the winter season, Alaska proposes serving Gustavus with small aircraft, the proposal says. The flight pattern serving Wrangell - Seattle to Ketchikan to Juneau and return - would not change under the newest proposal. Connections to Sitka would continue during the winter months. “Jet service offers the most convenient and reliable service to these five communities which have relied on Alaska's service as their essential transportation link to their major communities of interest for many years,” the proposal says. Federal officials have said the only proposal received for essential air service to the five communities has come from Alaska Airlines. Those officials along with the airline now must negotiate a price for the service. The federal subsidy, approved by Congress, is in its second decade of operation under the Essential Air Service
program.
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