Image Courtesy of SDNG
In 2020, the Smithsonian will dedicate the National Native American Veterans Memorial in D.C. It is about time! Some Americans are familiar with the infamous Navajo Windtalkers who led a secretive code communication operation. However, most Americans are unaware of Native military contributions. Here are a few insights.
More Native Americans serve in the U.S. military per capita than those of any other ethnic group. According to the National Museum of the American Indian, this has been the case since the American Revolution.
18.6% of Native veterans served in the post-9/11 period. More than those of other ethnicities (14%).
The Thunderbirds, or 45th Infantry division, freed tens of thousands of prisoners from the Dachau concentration camp during WW2. Three Natives from the group were awarded the Medal of Honor. According to the National Museum of the American Indian, General Patton stated to the group, "You are one of the best, if not the best, divisions in the history of American arms."
90% of the 42,000+ Natives who served in the Vietnam War were volunteers.
Thousands of Natives fought in the Union army during the Civil War. In fact, General Ulysses Grant's secretary, Brigadier General Ely Parker, was an Iroquois Chief. He drafted the terms of surrender which was provided to General Lee, which ended the war.
Natives have served with distinction in all major conflicts over the last couple centuries.
With contributions like these, it is a shame that a Native memorial doesn't already exist. However, the development of the monument is underway, as initiated by Congress. It's only fitting for the site to open in 2020 because America will finally be able to truly see the disproportionate sacrifice Natives have made protecting this great land.