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The memorial also includes three headstones displaying the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian words for courage along with a marble centerpiece reminding observers to "not dwell on their passing but remember their shining spirits that will live on forever."

Veterans, their families and local and state officials gathered Thursday afternoon at Sealaska Plaza for the dedication of the memorial, which was five years in the making. At a separate ceremony held earlier Thursday, Gov. Tony Knowles awarded Juneau veteran Ralph L. Kibby Sr. a medal for his service with the Alaska Territorial Guard in 1943 and 1944.

"I've always said that people die twice, once when they pass out of this world and their spirit leaves their body and a second time when we forget about them," said Sealaska Board Chairman and state Rep. Albert Kookesh. "This will help us to never forget about them."

He said a higher percentage of Alaska Natives contribute to American wars than any other ethnic group in the country.

Knowles echoed Kookesh's sentiment about Alaskan Natives' commitment to service and said the memorial would help keep their spirits alive. He told the story of Inupiat Marine Corps Sgt. George Walters, 73, who helped organize the memorial.

"While attending Gonzaga University (in Spokane, Wash.) he got a call from a friend back home who said he had mail from the Army, and you can guess what, it sure did look like one of those draft notices," Knowles said.

Walters quickly enlisted in the Marines to keep from being drafted into the Army. He served from 1950 to 1953 and fought in the Korean War, receiving the Purple Heart after he was hit with mortar fire.

"I'm just one of the lucky ones who came back," Walters said. "There were many, many who didn't come back, but it's hard to talk about them."

Knowles said there are many like Walters who deserve to be honored and supported, noting housing for aging veterans is essential.

"Everywhere else in America there is either veterans' housing in place or under construction except for one state: Alaska," Knowles said.

State legislation recently passed dedicating part of the state Pioneers' Home system to veterans was unsatisfactory to veterans groups that lobbied for the measure because the bill did not provide funding and would sunset after a three-year trial period. Knowles said veterans groups would support his signing the bill if the Legislature uses the upcoming special session to approve $2.6 million in funding for the homes.

"We need to put our money where our mouth is," Knowles said.

May 30, the original Memorial Day, also was celebrated by friends and family of Ralph L. Kibby, along with members of the Alaska National Guard and the Alaska Defense Force gathered at the Capitol to recognize Kibby's commitment to the armed services.

In 1943, at the height of World War II, Kibby volunteered for the Alaska Territorial Guard at the age of 16, serving until 1944. The Territorial Guard's primary mission was to defend the coastline of Western Alaska during World War II. The Aleutian Islands in Southwest Alaska were invaded by Japan during World War II.

Kibby went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1948.

Timothy Inklebarger can be reached at timothyi@juneauempire.com