Iditarod festivities start with salute to Susan Butcher

The Associated Press

Published Saturday, March 1, 2008

 

ANCHORAGE -- Festivities at the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race included a salute to the late Susan Butcher, a four-time champion.

Gov. Sarah Palin on Saturday morning signed a bill establishing the first Saturday of every March as Susan Butcher Day. It coincide with the start of each year's Iditarod.

Palin says, "No one exemplifies the spirit of Iditarod more than Susan Butcher." She adds that Butcher was a great role for many Alaskans, including Plain.

Butcher, the second woman to win the Iditarod, died in August 2006 of leukemia.

Joining Palin at Saturday's ceremony were Butcher’s husband, Dave Monson, and their two daughters, Tekla and Chisana.