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 on December 7, 1941, Alaska Territorial Governor 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 exhibited exceptional bravery in defending Alaska during World War II; and
WHEREAS, these courageous volunteers sacrificed countless hours safeguarding the approximately 5,200 miles of Alaska’s rugged and remote coastline; and
WHEREAS, from 1941 to 1947, as many as 15,000 Alaskans volunteered to serve in the ATG, receiving neither pay nor provisions, yet persevered in their commitment to their country, and their families, demonstrating the indomitable spirit of the Last Frontier; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, the late Alaska Senator Ted Stevens championed legislation to honor the ATG, whose steadfast service reflected devotion, courage, and sacrifice, formally recognizing their active federal service and qualifying them for benefits from the Veterans Administration; and
WHEREAS, with the passage of this legislation, these brave volunteers received the recognition befitting their extraordinary service; and
WHEREAS, by Alaska State Statute, October 18th of each year is designated for honoring the valiant service 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, 2025, 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, 2025
