Photo: Former Rep. Laddie Shaw lays wreaths at Fort Richardson National Cemetery on Dec. 13, 2025.
Former Alaska Rep. Laddie Shaw was spotted Saturday among hundreds of volunteers at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s Fort Richardson National Cemetery, quietly laying wreaths during the annual Wreaths Across America observance.
The ceremony took place at noon, with wreath placement immediately following, as volunteers gathered to remember and honor fallen service members by placing remembrance wreaths on graves and speaking each veteran’s name aloud.
Shaw, a retired Navy SEAL, served in the Alaska Legislature until his chosen retirement from office in January. His presence at the ceremony reflected a continuation of his lifelong military service and commitment to honoring those who served before him.
Fort Richardson National Cemetery was one of nearly 5,600 locations nationwide that participated in Wreaths Across America, a coordinated effort held across the country each December. The event relies on volunteers and community sponsors to ensure as many graves as possible are honored. More than 3.1 million wreaths were placed on Saturday. About one-third of participants nationwide were children.
Alaskans participated by sponsoring wreaths or volunteering their time, with each wreath representing a veteran whose service and sacrifice should never be forgotten.
