On the 142nd anniversary of the Angoon Bombardment in Southeast Alaska, the US Navy formally apologized for the unprovoked attack.
Dancers greet the Alaska Marine Highway vessel Hubbard in Angoon on Saturday. Rear Adm. Mark Sucato, commander of Navy Region Northwest, who arrived to issue an official apology to the village on behalf of the Navy, looks on.
Dancers in traditional Tlingit regalia greet the Alaska Marine Highway vessel Hubbard, which carried many visitors and official guests for the Navy’s official apology to the people of Angoon. Tlingit oral tradition says the attack was a surprise. Shells rained down on the village. Marines landed and set fire to homes. At least six children died of smoke inhalation.
“As we all know, this is a monumental event that we’re here to witness,” said Alan Zuboff, a Tlingit elder. “Our grandfathers wished this would in their time. They are all here with us in spirit. Right this very moment.” Marilyn Boggs, a nurse who lives in Arizona, said her ancestors left Angoon after it was destroyed and settled in Hoonah. She returned to witness the apology.u.éex’ took months of planning with the Navy to ensure it was handled with care. And now the day was here.
“ acknowledges that the Tlingit people of Angoon did not deserve nor provoke the bombardment and subsequent destruction of their village by the U.S. Naval forces,” he said. “But now is the time we will put our sorrow aside. We will wipe our tears. This is our grandfathers — these hats that we wear — they’re right here and they’re the ones who are saying, ‘thank you,’” she said.u.éex’. Both senators had campaigned for the apology and highlighted that the people of Angoon had never given up on their fight.Rear Adm. Mark Sucato, near center, listens to an acceptance of the apology offered by the Navy.
Darlene McKinley, left, greets Thomas Riley. McKinley is a descendant of Billy Jones, who was 13 at the time of Angoon Bombardment in 1882. Jones told the story of the attack to an anthropologist in 1949. Riley is the great-grandnephew of Michael Healy, who commanded the U.S. Revenue Cutter Thomas Corwin, which participated in the bombardment of Angoon in 1882. Shortly after 1:30 a.m., with the gym still full, it was time for the outgoing song.
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