The first Native American Veterans Day was observed in Maine on June 21.

The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Penobscot Nation hosted events to mark the new holiday. "It is a privilege to know and have known our tribal members who have served in the armed forces," said Houlton Chief Brenda Commander, The Central Maine Morning Sentinel reported

For Charles Shay, the day was particularly moving because he just returned from a trip to France. The Penobscot veteran fought on D-Day at Normandy during World War II.

“It was very emotional, very powerful for me,” Shay said the visit, The Bangor Daily News reported. “It brought back many memories that I’ve tried to forget. That I have forgotten.”

Shay, who has a French ancestor, received France's highest military and civilian honor in 2007.

Get the Story:
Penobscot D-Day veteran Shay lauded in France (The Bangor Daily News 6/23)
Maliseets mark Native American Veterans Day (The Central Maine Morning Sentinel 6/23)
Native American Veterans Honored (WLBZ 6/22)

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Bill in Maine creates Native veterans holiday (2/25)