Alaska Territorial Guard Day 2026

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 more than 6,000 volunteers, the majority of whom were Alaska Native, who demonstrated exceptional courage and bravery in defending and protecting 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 deserved recognition for 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, 2026 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, 2026

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