Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2005-02-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2005-02-18 Senate Journal Page 0338 SB 90 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 90 "An Act relating to Alaska Territorial Guard Day" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 90(STA) and further recommends the adoption of the following State Affairs Committee Letter of Intent: Letter of Intent It is the intent of the Alaska State Legislature in passing this bill to establish October 18 of each year to acknowledge and commemorate the service of members of the Alaska Territorial Guard in defense of Alaska and the United States during World War II. 2005-02-18 Senate Journal Page 0339 On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces bombed Pearl Harbor in a surprise attack on the United States Navy. Six months later the Alaska islands of Attu and Kiska were seized and Dutch Harbor was bombed by the Japanese. The attack on Alaska resulted in the deaths of 43 Americans. With the arrival of war, Alaska's National Guard was pressed into federal service leaving most of the Interior and Western coastal regions of the territory with inadequate protection. Alaska Governor Ernest Gruening sought and received permission from Congress to organize a volunteer civilian militia, thus the Alaska Territorial Guard was formed. Captain Carl Schneibner and Major Marvin "Muktuk" Marston were responsible for organizing the guard in the Interior Region and the Bering and Arctic Regions, respectively. The two men went to their regions with a recruitment message from the President of the United States and the Governor of Alaska. The people of Alaska responded. The guard was made up of some 6,500 Alaskans who were predominantly Alaska Natives and served in defense of Alaska from 1942, through World War II, until 1947. On October 18, 2004, the first members of the Alaska Territorial Guard were recognized as veterans by the United States Army. It is appropriate that the State of Alaska commemorate the service of the Alaska Territorial Guard. This bill is dedicated to the memory of those who served so bravely for our great state. Signing do pass: Senator Therriault, Chair; Senators Elton, Wagoner, Huggins. 2005-02-18 Senate Journal Page 0340 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.