Bill > HCR027

This concurrent resolution, passed by both the Idaho House of Representatives and Senate, formally acknowledges and honors the sacrifices made by 225 Idaho civilians who worked on Wake Island during World War II. The resolution details how these civilian contractors, employed by companies like Morrison-Knudsen to build a vital U.S. Navy base, were caught in the conflict following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Many abandoned their construction duties to assist the U.S. Marines during the 16-day siege. Despite an attempted rescue mission being aborted, the island was eventually captured by Japanese forces, and surviving Americans were taken as prisoners of war (POWs). The resolution specifically highlights the brutal execution of 10 Idahoans among 98 POWs on Wake Island in 1943, and the deaths of 17 other Idaho civilian contractors in Japanese POW camps. It also notes that the U.S. Department of Defense later recognized these civilians for their contributions, making them eligible for military benefits, and that Idaho hosted annual reunions of survivors until 2017, with a monument in Boise's Veterans Memorial Park commemorating their service. Ultimately, the resolution recognizes that 32 of these Idaho civilians lost their lives due to their service on Wake Island.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/HCR027/