Political Quotes

“I rise today to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Attu. The Battle of Attu is often times forgotten or dismissed, but this battle is an important part of our history as a Nation. After all, it was the last battle between warring nations to be fought in North America. During WWII Alaska was still a territory to the United States, and in 1942, Japan seized three islands off the end of the Aleutian chain in the most southwest part of Alaska. Japan prepared the island for the inevitable counterattack. On May 11 1943, the Americans launched towards Attu Island, and a battle raged until May 29 when 800 Japanese soldiers employed a full fledged Banzai attack, fighting hand to hand. While the Japanese attack crumbled, Japanese soldiers pulled grenades, dying by their own hand as a sign of honor. By the afternoon, the battle was over. American forces had prevailed. This battle was remarkable in many ways. More men were killed in action on Attu than at Pearl Harbor. It also remains the only time American soldiers have fought an invading army on American soil since the war of 1812. Last summer I had the honor of travelling to Attu with Admiral Ostebo, the Coast Guard District 17 Commander, where we dedicated a permanent memorial to the sacrifice of the Attu villagers. Now all who walk the hills of Attu will be reminded of the sacrifice Attu village residents and other Alaskans made during World War II.…”