Today, June 3, marks Dutch Harbor Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion for Alaskans to honor the memory of those who defended Dutch Harbor during World War II. The attack on Dutch Harbor, located on Amaknak Island in Unalaska, occurred six months after Pearl Harbor and was the first aerial assault by an enemy on the continental United States.

In anticipation of the attack, U.S. forces had intercepted a Japanese message three weeks prior, allowing Navy and Marine personnel to prepare with anti-aircraft defenses. Despite the preparations, the Japanese forces managed to shift their attack to the Margaret Bay Naval Barracks, resulting in the loss of 25 American servicemen.

Beyond Dutch Harbor, Japanese forces also targeted Adak, Kiska, and Attu. The Aleut people were evacuated and held in internment camps in Southeast Alaska for three years, where many perished. The United States Armed Forces, alongside Canadian allies, fought for over a year to reclaim the Aleutian Islands. The battle of Attu was particularly costly, with hundreds of servicemen sacrificing their lives to liberate Alaska.

Remembering the Sacrifice

This year marks the 84th anniversary of the bombing of Dutch Harbor. Alaskans pause to remember and honor all who were affected by the attack, paying tribute to the military personnel who served and died in defense of the nation, as well as the Aleut people who suffered during their internment.

Governor Bill Walker established Dutch Harbor Remembrance Day in 2015, mandating that flags be flown at half-mast each year on June 3. “As a child, my dad told us stories about his service on the front line in the Alaska Scouts during the Aleutian Campaign,” Governor Walker shared. “I encourage all Alaskans to honor the heroic men and women who courageously fought to defend our land.”

Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.