Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian To Open
National Native American Veterans Memorial November 11
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
From National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian will open the new National Native American Veterans Memorial Wednesday, November 11. The moment will be marked with a short virtual message to honor the service and sacrifice of Native veterans and their families. The message will be on both the museum’s YouTube channel.
“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. “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, which sits 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 museum will host a virtual event on 11/11/2020 to mark the completion of the #NationalNativeAmericanVeterans Memorial and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of Native veterans and their families. We hope you will join us online for this occasion. #NAVM #Veterans pic.twitter.com/LjMs2Qsv4l
— AmericanIndianMuseum (@SmithsonianNMAI) August 4, 2020
Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces Book and Exhibition
To coincide with the completion of the National Native American Veterans Memorial, the museum has published Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces, a 240-page book that commemorates the history of Native American military service. Native Americans serve in the military at one of the highest rates of any ethnic group, and the book explores the many reasons why—from love of home to the expression of warrior traditions.
The book is co-authored by Alexandra Harris and Mark Hirsch, senior editor and historian, respectively, at the National Museum of the American Indian. Other contributors include Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne), Rep. Deb Haaland (Pueblo of Laguna), Rep. Markwayne Mullin (Cherokee Nation), Gover (Pawnee), Jefferson Keel (Chickasaw) and Herman Viola.
The museum will host a virtual discussion with Harris about identity and the warrior stereotype of Native people serving in the military, as well as actual—and remarkable—traditions of peace and war within American Indian communities. The event takes place Thursday, November 12, at noon EST. Details for registering for this Zoom event are available at AmericanIndian.si.edu.
The exhibition “Why We Serve” tells poignant, personal stories of Native American veterans. It details the history of more than 250 years of Native American participation in the military, from colonial times to the present day. The exhibition will be on online and on view in the museum’s Potomac Atrium beginning November 11.
“Native Words, Native Warriors” Educational Module
This module, part of the museum’s Native Knowledge 360° educational initiative, honors the legacy of Native Code Talkers who created secret military communications based on their languages. Their efforts significantly aided Allied victories during World Wars I and II.
The Veterans History Project
The Library of Congress’ American Folklife Center collects, preserves and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so future generations may hear their stories and better understand the realities of war. In partnership with the museum, the project is preserving the stories of Native men and women who have served in the military through interviews, correspondence and photographs.
In partnership with Native peoples and their allies, the National Museum of the American Indian fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples. The museum in Washington, D.C., is located on the National Mall at Fourth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. Connect with the museum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and AmericanIndian.si.edu.
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