Alaska Veterans Memorial

The memorial honors Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Alaska National Guard, and Merchant Marine veterans from Alaska,[1][2] as well as specific Alaskans who were awarded the Medal of Honor.

The site was selected because of the scenic beauty of the area and its location between Alaska's two largest cities.

[5][6] The main memorial alcove was constructed in 1983, Governor Bill Sheffield, himself a veteran, dedicated the site in 1984.

The sculpture at the front of the alcove depicts two members of the Territorial Guard watching for threats with binoculars.

In November 1957 a TB-29 Superfortress stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base strayed off course in bad weather and crashed in the Talkeetna Mountains, killing 6 of the 10 crew aboard at the time.

Large concrete slabs honor the five main branches of the armed forces.
Smaller plaques at the alcove entrance honor The Merchant Marine and National Guard.
One of the propellers from the downed C-47 is used in the memorial.