Alaska Veterans Memorial Monochrome
by Cathy Mahnke
Title
Alaska Veterans Memorial Monochrome
Artist
Cathy Mahnke
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Alaska Veterans Memorial is located along the George Parks Highway between Fairbanks and Wasilla. It is a tribute to American Armed Forces, with monuments honoring the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard. The prominent sculpture in the center honors the Alaska Territorial Guard.
When Japan invaded the Aleutian Islands in June 1942, the United States Army began to recruit members for the new Army mission. Major Marvin Marston trekked across the Alaskan tundra, often by dog sled in the winter, in search of troops for the Alaska Territorial Guard, known as Eskimo Scouts.
Volunteers ranged in age from 12 to 80. Eleven were women. With no pay, 6,300 Alaska Natives volunteered to serve as scouts. They were responsible for monitoring activity on Alaska’s west coast. They maintained blackout conditions in Native villages, guarded the Alaskan village of Platinum (named for the platinum found nearby,) and stood ready to defend the Alaska Territory against Japanese forces. This little known bit of history is worth researching if you are interested.
Uploaded
July 22nd, 2022
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