WHEREAS, emergency preparedness is vital to survival in times of crisis, and as one of the world’s most seismically-active regions, Alaska is highly vulnerable to earthquakes; and
WHEREAS, of the 20 largest earthquakes in United States history, 16 of them have occurred in Alaska; and
WHEREAS, on March 27, 1964, Alaska was devastated by a magnitude 9.2 earthquake – the most powerful earthquake in United States history and the second most powerful recorded worldwide – that became known as the Great Alaska Good Friday Earthquake; and
WHEREAS, the damage of landslides, avalanches, and tsunamis created by the earthquake was devastating and resulted 131 casualties; and
WHEREAS, on the 59th anniversary of this tragedy, we are reminded just how precious life is, and we honor all those whose lives were lost or affected by this colossal force of nature, including the courageous first responders, servicemen, and volunteers who sacrificed their livelihood to assist with rescue and relief efforts; and
WHEREAS, although this day shattered many families and communities, it allowed for our state and nation to advance our knowledge of earthquake sciences in the pursuit of improved safety through earthquake preparedness.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim March 27, 2023 as:
Great Alaska Good Friday Earthquake Remembrance Day
in Alaska, and on this 59th anniversary of the Great Alaska Good Friday Earthquake, I encourage all Alaskans to educate themselves on earthquake safety procedures, participate in commemorative activities, such as exhibits, conferences, and planned community emergency response exercises, and to remember those whose lives were lost that fateful day. I also order all State Flags to be lowered to half-staff on March 27, 2023.
