The Nov. 11, 2022 dedication of the NNAVM – built just outside the Smithsonian National Museum of the American – came after a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic
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| An Osage Nation Veterans group lines up for a procession during the Nov. 11 dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. BENNY POLACCA/Osage News |
WASHINGTON – As rain fell here in the capital city on Veterans Day, hundreds of Native American military veterans – including those from Osage Nation – braved wet conditions and marched in a procession as part of dedication activities for the National Native American Veterans Memorial now open.
The Nov. 11, 2022 dedication of the NNAVM – built just outside the Smithsonian National Museum of the American – came after a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Designed by U.S. Marine veteran and artist Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma), the National Native American Veterans Memorial comprises a stainless-steel circle placed over a carved stone drum and includes water features and benches surrounding in a circle pattern for visitors to gather, remember and reflect.
This is 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, according to the Smithsonian.
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| Osage veterans board a charter bus for Washington, D.C. on Nov. 9, 2022. ECHO REED/Osage News |
A group of 11 Osage veterans and family members traveled by charter bus to Washington to take part in the procession and to watch the formal dedication ceremony held on the National Mall grounds just north of NMAI. The trip was made possible by an appropriation from the Osage Nation Congress in June of this year, sponsored by former Congresswoman Angela Pratt, who is a U.S. Army veteran and who also attended the dedication ceremony with her family.
Planned by the NMAI, invitations were sent out nationwide for Native veterans and veteran groups to come participate in the dedication activities during the Veterans Day weekend.
According to the NMAI, more than 1,500 Native veterans representing more than 120 Native nations gathered and lined up for the procession, which started in front of the museum and took participants on a nearly-mile-long route along three city streets before concluding at the seating area in front of the dedication ceremony stage, which was set in front of the U.S. Capitol.
Organizers arranged the tribal veteran groups in alphabetical order during the line-up. The Osage group participants marched while holding a custom-print banner that read “Osage Nation Veterans”. Marching in front of the banner on opposite sides was Navy veteran Ross Mashunkashey who carried the U.S. flag and Marine veteran Corbin Malone who carried the Osage Nation flag.
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| An Osage Nation Veterans group lines up for a procession during the Nov. 11 dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. |
With rain in the forecast, the group members wore custom-printed caps, plastic ponchos, jackets, or hooded-fleece jackets, which had the ON Veterans Memorial image printed on the back. Dedicated on Veterans Day 2018, the Osage veterans’ memorial in Pawhuska includes hundreds of Osage veterans’ names inscribed on the memorial walls. The ON Veterans Memorial Commission, which organized the Washington trip, ordered the jackets and hats for the occasion.
“The memorial dedicated to Native veterans is long overdue given our contribution to the US armed forces throughout history, and even before being granted citizenship,” said Marine veteran Paul Bemore, adding he is thankful for the Nation making the trip opportunity possible for Osages. “Well it rained on our parade but it was truly a blessing that emphasized the traditional elements represented by the memorial itself.”
In a statement on his website, Pratt wrote: “The (memorial) design incorporates symbols and elements common to many Native traditions: fire, water, wind, drums, the cardinal points, and the circle shape. The memorial creates an interactive yet intimate space for gathering, remembrance, reflection, and healing.”
Army veteran and Osage Congressman John Maker applauded the trip, noting that for some attendees, it was their first trip to Washington, D.C. and thanked the Nation for making the trip a reality.
“This is one of the most gratifying, historical, beautiful trips I’ve ever been on in my entire life, even when I was in the Army on active duty. Being there with all the tribal members and our Osage people who went on this historic adventure was just, I can’t explain it. It was so moving and it meant so much for everybody to be there. Especially some of the old Vietnam veteran guys … Seeing all the tribal nations there, it was beautiful, the procession and all the speeches that were made, it was well worth the whole experience,” Maker said.
National Guard veteran Dena Cosby, also a Wahzhazhe Communications coordinator, said “Watching the (ON) Veterans Memorial Commission travel together as a unit brought me an old sense of comradery again that I have been missing since my honorable discharge from the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2008. Despite age and conditions, our Osage elders/ veterans walked far and long to bring recognition to those who served. They did not just make it about themselves, although they all were very worthy of honor too.”
At the dedication ceremony, Cynthia Chavez Lamar (San Felipe Pueblo/Hopi/Tewa/Navajo), director of the National Museum of the American Indian, delivered opening remarks. “What an incredible moment it is to be gathered with all of you today. It brings me such great joy and it really feels my heart to see so many Native veterans from across the country. We are honored to be with you today. To each American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian veteran in attendance … I want to share my deep gratitude for your service and sacrifice. And to those of you who lost loved ones who served with honor, thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.”
Chavez Lamar then noted: “Today we mark a major milestone for our country, the Smithsonian and Native people as we dedicate the National Native American Veterans Memorial. The museum is proud to be the home of the memorial and will carry out our responsibility to forever welcome and honor veterans and educate people about the extraordinary military service of Native veterans and active duty service members.”
ON Veterans Memorial Commission member Frances Williams, also president of the Hominy Chapter of American War Mothers, helped coordinate the bus trip along with fellow commission members and ON government staff to the dedication. “It was a momentous occasion, bumpy bus ride and all! The tiring bus trip was so worthwhile, I could not imagine walking down Constitution Avenue with approximately 1,500 Native American veterans and their families. It was incredibly awesome.”
“The National Native American Veterans Memorial has been a long time coming. Our Native American veterans deserve this monument, they comprise the highest number of minority veterans in the U.S.,” Williams said. “They have always served this country even when they weren’t considered US citizens. The Memorial is a testament to our Native people’s commemoration of their sacrifices made to preserve peace. I feel that it was time for our country to honor the Native American Veterans. So honored that I had a part in helping send the Osage Delegation to this auspicious event. I am thankful to Chief Standing Bear and the Osage Nation Congress for supporting the Osage Nation Veterans Memorial Commission in this endeavor.”