JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Since the Cold War, a giant star of lights set up on the side of a steep mountain between Anchorage and Eagle River can be viewed from many angles around Anchorage.
The Star sits at the mercy of avalanches and harsh weather conditions from late November until the last musher in the Iditarod crosses the finish line, as well as on September 11.
According to an article by Craig Medred in the Anchorage Daily News, U.S. Army Capt. Douglas Evert, commander for B Battery, fourth Missile Battalion, 43rd Artillery, had his men construct a 15-foot star that first shone May 5, 1959. It rested atop the gatehouse of Site Summit, the location of a Nike Hercules missile battery until 1979.
According to anchorage.net, "The missile site was decommissioned in the late 1970s, but the star has been redesigned, relocated and enlarged through the years. Once just a single point of light in the mountains, the outline of the star near Arctic Valley is now clearly visible from downtown Anchorage, almost 14 miles away."
The star expanded over time and is now so large it can be seen on Google Earth. Today, the 773 Civil Engineers maintain the 300-foot star, replacing the bulbs and keeping it structurally sound. Sam Raye works for the 773rd Civil Engineer Squadron. He is one of the select few charged with caring for the star year in and year out.
“Our squadron has the honor of maintaining the Star that shines over the Anchorage bowl," he said. "As a silent partner with City of Anchorage, it brings me happiness knowing there is a star for everyone to see during the long winter nights.”
But the star represents more than just the holiday season to many around Anchorage. From a symbol of family togetherness to a memorial monument, there are more meanings places on the mountain star than Webster's Dictionary has room to define. To see what others have to say, visit The Star on the Mountain Anchorage, Alaska Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/theanchoragestar.