THE VETERANS PRESS: Native American veterans recognized with D.C. memorial
National Native American Veterans Memorial.
Photo by MATAILONG DU/Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian opened the new National Native American Veterans Memorial on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, in Washington, D.C.
“The National Native American Veterans Memorial will serve as a reminder to the nation and the world of the service and sacrifice of Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian veterans,” said Kevin Gover, director of the museum, in a press release. “Native Americans have always answered the call to serve, and this memorial is a fitting tribute to their patriotism and deep commitment to this country.”
The memorial on the grounds of the museum was commissioned by Congress to give “all Americans the opportunity to learn of the proud and courageous tradition of service of Native Americans in the Armed Forces of the United States.” Native Americans have served in every major military conflict in the U.S. since the Revolutionary War. This will be the first national landmark in Washington, D.C., to focus on the contributions of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians who have served in the military.
The memorial design is by Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma), a multimedia artist, retired forensic artist and Marine Corps Vietnam veteran. The design, called “Warriors' Circle of Honor,” features an elevated stainless-steel circle resting on a carved stone drum. It also incorporates water for sacred ceremonies, benches for gatherings and four lances where veterans, family members, tribal leaders and others can tie cloths for prayers and healing.
A dedication ceremony and veterans’ procession to mark the memorial’s completion has been postponed due to current health and safety guidelines. A video commemorating the memorial’s opening can be viewed online.
The outside memorial can be visited for free at any time, unless safety considerations require it to be closed. The National Museum of the American Indian is currently closed to visitors.
For more information about the memorial and museum, visit: americanindian.si.edu/visit/washington/nnavm