Aleutian Islands World War II National Monument facts for kids
The Aleutian Islands World War II National Monument is a special protected area in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. It is a U.S. national monument. This monument helps us remember important events from World War II.
The monument is found on three different islands. These islands are part of the larger Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service looks after this monument.
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History of the Monument
The Aleutian Islands World War II National Monument was first created on December 5, 2008. It was made by an executive order from President George W. Bush. An executive order is a special rule or command given by the President. At first, it was part of a bigger monument called the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. This larger monument included sites in Alaska, California, and Hawaii.
Later, a new law changed things. This law was called the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. It was signed into law on March 12, 2019. This act separated the big monument into smaller, individual monuments in each state. This is how the Aleutian Islands World War II National Monument became its own special place.
What the Monument Protects
The national monument protects important historical sites. These sites show what happened during World War II in the Aleutian Islands. They help us learn about the battles and events that took place there.
Attu Island Battlefield
One part of the monument is on Attu Island. Here, you can find parts of the battlefield from the Battle of Attu. This was a very important battle during World War II. The monument protects about 2,600 acres (about 10.5 square kilometers) of these historic areas.
Kiska Island Occupation Site
Another part of the monument is on Kiska Island. This area shows where Japanese forces occupied the island during the war. "Occupation" means when one country's military takes control of another country's land. The monument protects about 2,345 acres (about 9.5 square kilometers) related to this occupation.
Atka Island Plane Crash Site
The third site is on Atka Island. This is where an Atka B-24D Liberator plane crashed during the war. The monument protects a small area of about 5 acres (about 0.02 square kilometers) around this crash site. It reminds us of the planes and people involved in the war.
