NAC-SNM Veterans Day Tribute & Marine Corps Tradition Observance
Forever Grateful
NAC-SNM’s annual Veterans program took place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, in Farmington, NM. Among the tributes, a motivation run set about the program. Blue skies and ideal weather welcomed Veterans and their families who turned out to honor their fellow citizens who served the nation in the armed forces. The run attracted U.S. Marines that join in with Marine Corps cadence.
During dinner, a video of the National Native American Veterans Memorial and Dedication Ceremony from Washington, D.C. was shown. Games, prizes, salutations, and the traditional USMC birthday cake cutting followed.
November 10, 2023, marked the 248th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. In 1775 on November 10, the Continental Congress established the Corps by creating two battalions of Continental Marines to serve on land and at sea. Their first amphibious landing happened less than a year later in the Bahamas. Navajo Code Talkers helped secure victory over Japan during World War II by creating an unbreakable code based on the Navajo language.
NAC-SNM held this program in recognition of military Veterans, and to express heartfelt gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served our country and defended our liberty. Their sacrifice and dedication to protecting the U.S. constitution is an inspiration to all of us. We honor their service and commitment to our great nation. The service of our nation’s military allows us to enjoy many freedoms, including the freedom to worship.
NAC-SNM deeply values the experience Veterans hold and consider it a privilege to have Veteran colleagues in the organization.
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NAC-SNM leadership and family to join procession in Washington, DC in honor of the NAC-SNM veterans and families.
National Museum of the American Indian
Native Veterans Procession and Dedication Ceremony
Veterans Day, November 11, 2022
NAC-SNM is honored and humbled to join the procession honoring NAC-SNM veterans and families. With a grateful heart the NAC-SNM honors our active military, veterans, and their families for their selfless service and sacrifice in defending the greatest country in the world. We are privileged to sleep beneath the blanket of freedom and security the military provides. Our NAC-SNM active military and veterans have truly given our country their life, time, energy, and love. Thank you again and always. God Bless you and your family.
With a grateful heart the NAC-SNM honors our active military, veterans, and their families for their selfless service and sacrifice in defending the greatest country in the world. We are privileged to sleep beneath the blanket of freedom and security the military provides. Our NAC-SNM active military and veterans have truly given our country their life, time, energy, and love. Thank you again and always. God Bless you and your family.
On November 11, 2022, the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) honors the exceptional military service of Native Americans in a formal dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The dedication and processional will honor American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian veterans and their families. The NAC-SNM delegation will be led by Terry Dayish (Navajo), USMC veteran and Delegate at Large, and other veterans as they walk with Native Nations, Tribes, and Native Veterans Groups from across the United States of America.
To honor and recognize the Native American’s tradition of service and sacrifice to our country the Native American Veterans’ Memorial Amendments Act of 2013 was passed on December 11, 2013. The United States Congress directed the NMAI to create a National Native American Veterans Memorial to honor the outstanding service of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian veterans, and to raise public awareness of this rich history of service. Native Americans have the distinction of serving at a higher rate per capita than any other demographic group, despite their history of harassment, mistreatment, and removal by the federal government. The memorial is intended 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.” The memorial is located prominently on the grounds of the Smithsonian’s NMAI on the National Mall in Washington.
About the National Native American Veterans Memorial
Cheyenne and Arapaho artist Harvey Pratt’s Warriors’ Circle of Honor is located on the museum grounds on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The 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. The overall focus is on healing. Harvey Pratt is a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma, and a Southern Cheyenne peace chief. In addition to being an artist, he’s a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and a retired forensic artist. Harvey brought to his design his own experience as a veteran and as a tribal citizen who has lived this long tradition of service.
NAC-State of New Mexico Honors Veterans, Farmington, NM
Thursday, November 11, 2021, is Veterans Day – a holiday commemorating the signing of the armistice that ended World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. 103 years after that historic moment, Veterans Day remains an important day to share our appreciation for the contributions and the sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel.
NAC-State of New Mexico honored NAC-SNM Veterans and their families with a Veterans Day celebration combined with a Marine Corps cake-cutting ceremony on November 10, birthday of the United States Marine Corps. NAC-SNM Marine Corps Veterans performed the traditional Marine Corps cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate the 246th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
Traditionally, the first piece of cake is given to the oldest Marine, then handing the second piece to the youngest Marine signifying the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young.
One in five of NAC-SNM members is an active or former member of the military. This makes NAC-SNM a better organization because of the valuable skills and experience Veterans bring from their military service. Please take time to remember the lives we have lost in the name of freedom and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our Veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.