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(used as an exclamation to express sorrow, grief, pity, concern, or apprehension of evil.)
.
I sustain the wings: motto of the U.S. Air Force.
Contemporary Examples

Then there is that translucent physical beauty of Natasha’s, which, alas, almost upstaged her.
Writers and Actors Recall Her Life Isabel Wilkinson March 18, 2009

He wore a sparkly jacket that was terrifying to behold, but was alas not festooned with electric lights.
10 Craziest David Hasselhoff Moments Shannon Donnelly, The Daily Beast Video August 14, 2010

alas, one can see that he is not held in high esteem by the military.
McChrystal’s Downfall: Who Wins, Who Loses Leslie H. Gelb June 26, 2010

Jokes should be a universal language, but Romney, alas, has demonstrated a humor gap.
The Awkwardness Olympics Jill Lawrence August 22, 2011

alas, that grandly named firm is at 270 Park Avenue, north of Grand Central Terminal and miles from the demonstration.
Wall Street’s Not the Problem! Stephen L. Carter October 2, 2011

Historical Examples

But alas, it was only their idiosyncrasies which used to make any impression upon us.
A Labrador Doctor Wilfred Thomason Grenfell

If he be proved culpable in this most melancholy business, and, alas!
Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327 Various

Heavy-wet and gin: alas, these are not the only kinds of thraldom.
Past and Present Thomas Carlyle

alas, the vanity of mortal projects, even when they centre in the grave!
Other Tales and Sketches Nathaniel Hawthorne

I chose to go by motor thinking it would be quicker, but alas!
By Forest Ways in New Zealand F. A. Roberts

sentence connector
unfortunately; regrettably: there were, alas, none left
interjection
an exclamation of grief, compassion, or alarm
abbreviation
Alaska

mid-13c., from Old French ha, las (later French hélas), from ha “ah” + las “unfortunate,” originally “tired, weary,” from Latin lassus “weary” (see late). At first an expression of weariness rather than woe.
Alaska