Native veteran memorial discussion being held at Hard Rock

The U.S. Congress has authorized the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., to create a National Native American Veterans Memorial.

Native American veterans and other community members are invited to a discussion on July 21 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa about the memorial, which will honor the military service of Native Americans. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Sequoyah 2 room.

Principal Chief Bill John Baker will provide the opening remarks at the event. Kevin Gover, director of the National Museum of the American Indian, will lead the discussion, joined by members of the advisory committee for the memorial. 

Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden is a member of the the advisory committee, which is comprised of tribal leaders and veterans and represents geographic diversity of Indian Country. Additionally, the advisory committee represents the various branches of the Armed Forces. Deputy Chief Crittenden is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. 

Native Americans, including Cherokees, are thought to have more citizens serving in the military per capita than any other ethnic group according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

For more information, contact Rae Wacoche at rae-wacoche@cherokee.org or Gina Ward at wardgi@si.edu.