Visit Sika Magazine 2025-2026 | Page 7

During your visit to Sitka, one of the best places to connect with this story is the American Legion Post 13, where Commander Vince Winter has curated a display case dedicated to the Tlingít Code Talkers. Here you’ ll find artifacts such as pins, a working radio used by the Code Talkers, a commemorative bronze coin, and biographies of the six men. This display offers a unique opportunity to reflect on Sitka’ s WWII history and pay tribute to these unsung heroes.
ALASKA DAY— RECONCILIATION DAY
Sitka is a place where history and culture run deep. It’ s not only known for its WWII legacy, but it’ s also the birthplace of modern-day Alaska and the ancestral home of the Tlingít people.
One of the best times to experience this rich history is during Alaska Day on October 18th, when the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States is commemorated with a week-long festival of parades, reenactments, and community events. For the Tlingít people, this day is also known as Reconciliation Day. It is a time to mourn the loss of their land, reconcile feelings associated with this event, and take steps toward healing.
Whether you’ re visiting during the Alaska Day Festival or exploring Sitka at another time of the year, we encourage you to pay a visit to the Tlingít Code Talker display at the American Legion Post 13, immerse yourself in local events, and truly connect with the stories that make Sitka so unique.
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