WHEREAS, the service of the Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG) in the protection of Alaska during World War II represents service above self that is a hallmark of the Alaskan spirit; and
WHEREAS, following the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941, Alaska Territorial Governor and statesman Ernest Gruening laid the foundation for the ATG, which would become the first line of defense if an attack on Alaska were to occur; and
WHEREAS, the ATG was initially comprised of over 6,000 volunteers, the majority of them Alaska Native, who demonstrated their profound bravery and dedication by serving and protecting Alaska during World War II; and
WHEREAS, these courageous volunteers sacrificed their time and effort to patrol and protect approximately 5,200 miles of rough Alaskan coastline; and
WHEREAS, over time, as many as 15,000 Alaskans participated in and supported the ATG without pay or official provisions. These volunteers continued to serve as soldiers from 1941 to 1947, exhibiting incredible commitment to their country and families and embodying the essence of the spirit of the Last Frontier; and
WHEREAS, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens introduced legislation in 2000 in an effort to formally recognize and distinguish the service of ATG volunteers as active federal service and thereby qualify them for benefits from the Veterans Administration; and
WHEREAS, when Senator Ted Stevens’ legislation was passed, these brave volunteers received the recognition they long deserved and the benefits they were overdue; and
WHEREAS, by Alaska State Statute, October 18th of each year is designated for honoring the valiant service and sacrifice of Alaska Territorial Guard members in defense of Alaska and the United States during World War II.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim October 18, 2024 as:
Alaska Territorial Guard Day
in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to educate themselves on the essential role the Alaska Territorial Guard members and their families played in our State’s history.
Dated: October 18, 2024
