National Native American Veterans Memorial

National Native American Veterans Memorial

Nicholas V.

Memorial

A Hidden Gem off the Mall

Opposite the entrance to the National Museum of the American Indian, you can find one of the newest memorials on the National Mall. The National Native American Veterans Memorial is one of Downtown DC’s hidden gyms. When I visited at noon on Sunday, the museum and grounds nearby had many visitors. However, few knew about the memorial that was just 30 steps down a small path from the museum entrance.

Overall the memorial has an understated, minimalist, and peaceful design. The memorial opens with a memorial wall with the seal of each branch of the military to commemorate the Native Americans that served in every branch of the US military. The path then winds past a small pond and green space. It concludes at the main focal point of the monument: a silver metal ring with a dark stone base. A small water feature is present at the base along with benches for sitting and reflection.

Prayer Cloths

History of Memorial

To learn more about the memorial, I visited the adjacent museum. The Museum of the American Indian was in charge of creating the memorial under direction from Congress. The museum was able to draw on many talented Native American, Hawaiian and Alaskan artists for the design of the memorial. The design chosen is called the “Warriors’ Circle of Honor” and was designed by Harvey Pratt of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. Pratt himself is a Vietnam veteran and self-taught artist(Smithsonian). After working in the military, Pratt also worked as a police sketch artist where he worked on many cases like the Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders case(Tribes 131).

Path There are many parts of the memorial that make it more inclusive and welcoming for Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Native Alaskans. The water feature at the base of the structure is often used for ritual and memorial services. The benches and small gathering areas are also often used in memorial services. Four Lances, as shown below, were included to allow for traditional tie clothes to be attached. Lances have traditionally been used to show courage (Share America). The dual use is an ode to the multicultural nature of America and the military. These clothes were often left for prayer and healing(Learn Religions). After the cloth is tied to the lance, the visitor often makes a statement of gratitude, remembrance, or prayer. During my visit to the memorial, I personally saw a grandfather and his grandson add a memorial cloth to the pole and take a moment to reflect on their loved ones.

Memorial Wall

A Storied Past

Native Americans’ participation in the US Military has a long and storied history dating back to the Revolutionary War. Native Americans have served in every major war and conflict including the Civil War, WW1, WW2, and Afghanistan. One of the leading military newspapers pointed out that Native Americans’ participation in the US military has only grown. Since the September 11th attacks, “nearly 19 percent of Native Americans have served in the armed forces, compared to an average of 14 percent of all other ethnicities(Military Times).

During WW1 and WW2, Native Americans were crucial in working as Code Talkers for the US Military (National WW2 Museum). During the war, Native Americans would work in pairs to relay messages in their native tongues. “Over 14 Native Tribal nations that served as Code Talkers, during WW2” (National WW2 Museum). The Code Talkers ended up being instrumental to the security of US communications during the first and second World Wars. However, the US military failed to recognize the important contributions of Code Talkers after the war. In 2001, over 55 years after the end of WW2, “Congressional Gold Medals were given to the Navajo and other code talkers.(National WW2 Museum)”

Prayer Cloth and Memorial

Why do Native Americans Serve

I, like many non-native people, found this commitment to service puzzling. The United States’ by and large, has an abusive track record of treatment towards Native American, Alaskan, and Hawiian people. Why then do these people continue to be such an instrumental part of the US Military?

To figure this out, I visited the Smithsonian’s new “Why We Serve” exhibit which highlights the stories and lives of many Native American Military members. The exhibit highlighted three main reasons for Native Americans’ continued dedication to the US military.

First, there are cultural reasons why a person of Native American descent may choose to serve. “For Thousands of Years, American Indians have protected their communities” (Smithsonian). Serving in the military was seen as another way to protect their community. Second, many Native Americans serve for economic and career opportunities. Native Americans are among the most economically disadvantaged ethnic and racial groups in the United States(HHS). The military offers a way to learn skills and make money(Smithsonian). Many tribes have a tradition of service. The United Service Organization points out that in some tribes over “70% of the men of a single Nation enlisted”. Lastly, many Native Americans who choose to serve feel that they are protecting their land. Harvey Pratt, the designer of the memorial, was asked this same question: Why serve? He acknowledged that Native American “blood is spilled all over America”, however “Indians are always going to fight for their land, and for this nation (Smithsonian Mag).

Map

The memorial opened in 2020, but because of COVID, will see its official onsite dedication on Veterans Day in November 2022. You can visit the monument at Fourth Street & Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20560.

To learn more about the National Native American Veteran’s Memorial, you can visit https://americanindian.si.edu/visit/washington/nnavm and see the Additional Readings section below.

Video Tour of Memorial