WWII Battle on American Soil

May 2018 marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Attu – the only ground battle of WWII to take place on American soil.

A Refuge, A Home – Changed Forever

For thousands of years, Attu was home to people and wildlife. Long before the war, Attu was one of the earliest Federally protected wildlife resource areas. The Battle of Attu forever changed the island, its inhabitants, and the lives of those who waged battle there, leaving behind scars and stories scattered among the national wildlife refuge that exists today.

Schedule of Events

Film & Discussion by Tadashi Ogawa

The film premiere of “When the Fog Clears,” directed by award winning Japanese film director Tadashi Ogawa seeks to make the “Forgotten War” unforgettable. This film features Kiska and Attu Island which had been occupied by Japan during WWII. 90 minutes
When: Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 2:00-4:00pm
Where: University of Alaska Anchorage, Fine Arts Building

Opening Reception & Art Show

Join us for a slideshow and talk by author Nancy Lord and artist Andrea Nelson followed by a reception and art show opening. Nancy Lord, Andrea Nelson, and Irene Owsley were 2017 Artists-in-Residence for Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge on Attu, Kiska, and the R/V Tiglax. Refreshments served.
When: Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 6:30pm
Where: Loussac Librarary, Anchorage, Alaska

Attu Descendants Potluck Luncheon

Seventy-five years ago, the island of Attu was invaded by Japanese forces. A panel of descendants and expert basket weavers will discuss Attu village and share their experiences from a 2017 visit to the former village site. Bring a dish to share.
When: Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 11:30am
Where: Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Anchorage,Alaska

Panel Discussion: Attu Villagers and Soldiers

Join this panel of survivors and descendants from the Village of Attu, U.S. Soldiers, and Japanese soldiers to gain a unique perspective on the Battle of Attu.
When: Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 2:00pm
Where: Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Anchorage,Alaska

Japanese Perspective on WWII in the Aleutians

Mike McNaughton on Nisei interpreters, Ephriam Dickson on Japanese prisoners of war who survived the battle, Paul Dunscombe on Japan’s military strategy in the Aleutians
When: Friday, May 18, 2018 at 6:30pm
Where: Anchorage Museum in Anchorage, Alaska

Valor in the Pacific: The Battle of Attu

A full day of fly-ins, films, and displays at the Alaska Aviation Museum. View the Battle of Attu special exhibition. Food Available for purchase. Admission $???
When: Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 10am-4pm
Where: Alaska Aviation Museum in Anchorage, Alaska

ONGOING

Reflections on Attu Art Show

When: May 17-June 17, 2018
Where: Loussac Library in Anchorage, Alaska

Battle of Attu Exhibition

When: February -September, 2018
Where: Alaska Aviation Museum in Anchorage, Alaska

www.Attu75.org