By CONGRESSMAN-ELECT NICK BEGICH III
Today we remember the attack Pearl Harbor, a moment when America realized that global conflict could and would make its way to our own shores. America has been blessed with two large barriers in the form of both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, providing us with relative domestic peace over our national history. But, as we learned on that day, modern capabilities diminish that gulf substantially.
As Alaskans know, we would soon also fight the Japanese in the Aleutians, at Midway and Guadalcanal, and fully engage every aspect of our American lives and economy into World War II, which only ended when America detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
In the European theatre of World War II, the European nations had not sufficiently invested in their own national defense and had a misplaced sense of diplomatic certainty, despite the recent memory of World War I. America ultimately came to the aid of the French, the English, and other European allies. In the Pacific, America beat back the expansionist Imperial Japanese military, which was part of the Axis alliance of Germany, Italy, and Japan.
It feels eerily familiar to what is happening in Ukraine today. As that conflict continues, the relative weakness of European allies, which have deprioritized national security investments for decades, has been exposed.
Alaska has never had a more important role to play in defending our nation and on this day, while we pray America does not get pulled into another global conflict, we as a state must be ready, because we are the tip of the spear. Our military can reach any part of the northern hemisphere in hours.
Americans have once again elected a strong leader, replacing one who has certainly weakened our nation’s stature and capabilities. Even before taking office Donald Trump has already sent a harsh message to Hamas – release the hostages or we will release the hounds of hell. Further, he has pressed for a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. People in these regions are listening and pathways to resolution are now opening.
When the new Congress begins its work in a few short weeks, our nation’s military and readiness will be top of mind. Our warriors must know that Congress has their backs, that we’ll emphasize readiness over “woke” and “DEI.” Our warriors must have confidence that leadership understands the weight of their service and tasks them with missions worthy of their sacrifice.
To the families who lost loved ones in battle in World War II and the conflicts that followed, we honor you and your sacrifice. By projecting strength, defending our borders, and providing for our military in a responsible manner, America can maintain peace for our children and grandchildren. That must be our goal.
Nick Begich III is Congressman-elect for Alaska.
