{"id":2689,"date":"2020-11-20T12:34:53","date_gmt":"2020-11-20T20:34:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/?p=2689"},"modified":"2023-06-26T13:34:04","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T20:34:04","slug":"proud-warriors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/2020\/11\/20\/proud-warriors\/","title":{"rendered":"Proud warriors"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Photo by Russell Albert Daniels\/American Indian Magazine.<\/em><\/p>\n

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The 2002 movie \u201cWindtalkers,\u201d starring Nicolas Cage and Adam Beach, highlighted the unique contributions made by Navajo code talkers during the Battle for Saipan in World War II.\u00a0 Having been to the Chief Leschi Schools Veterans Day Assembly, where every child shakes the hand of every veteran present, I am familiar with the service of local Native veterans \u2013 and how they are honored within their culture.<\/p>\n

But I was humbled and inspired to learn that Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Hawaiian Natives have fought with the United States in every war since the Revolution – even before they were officially declared citizens in 1924!<\/p>\n

To recognize, honor and remember that strong tribal tradition of military service, a permanent memorial was dedicated this past Veterans Day at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian<\/a> in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n

Located on the expansive \u201cMall,\u201d the National Native American Veterans Memorial is a meaningful and lasting tribute to decades of proud warriors fighting for freedom.<\/p>\n

The video features interviews with several Native veterans, a fascinating look back at the legacy of tribal military service and a discussion with the Native designer of the memorial.\u00a0 I will caution that the video is 18 minutes long, but it is well worth every minute to understand, appreciate and honor the men and women who have so honorably served our county.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m pleased to share it with you.<\/p>\n