November is a special and sacred time in the Cherokee Nation
and all across Indian Country. Annually, November is the month we set aside to
celebrate and recognize Native American Heritage. It is also the month we honor
military heroes and our service veterans. At all Cherokee Nation events we take
a moment to ensure we recognize and appreciate our veteran brothers and sisters
for their courage and sacrifice. That high standard of support and recognition
is something we all take great pride in and a value that we will make sure is
always preserved.
As Cherokees, we respect and admire any man or woman who has
donned a uniform and made sacrifices to defend America’s freedoms. Cherokee
people, like many tribal nations, have a deep and rich history in the American
military. Our people have been a part of every America battle since the
founding of this country. This is a fact that many of us know but bears
repeating at every opportunity: Native people, including Cherokees, serve in
the military at a higher rate than any other racial group in America. Our
heritage as soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines is strong and widely
appreciated.
Historically, Cherokee warriors were prayed for by their
family before going into battle or military service. Upon their return, these
warriors are rightfully recognized by the tribe and the community for their
acts of bravery. It is our tradition and our heritage to celebrate the
individual who sacrifices for the larger good. It is the proper way to honor
those people willing to fight for our rights to live free.
As a tribe, we have set a high watermark for our commitment
to our veterans. Our Veterans Center is a special place that serves as a home
and gathering place to socialize and get assistance with available services. We
have provided our military veterans with a place of honor at our tribal
headquarters, and it has inspired other tribes in Oklahoma to make similar
commitments to their veterans. Not only on Veterans Day, but every day, we
express our gratitude for the many sacrifices Cherokee veterans have made for
all of us.
We all know somebody in our family—a cousin, sibling, parent
or grandparent—who has served the Stars and Stripes and the values it
represents. That commitment to country and duty is true and inspiring. I
encourage you to celebrate their service and tell them thank you for stepping
up when America needed them.
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