Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - A reception for Native American veterans, their families and friends will be held Saturday, September 4, at 4 p.m. in the Sequoyah High School cafeteria, located 4 miles south of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on Highway 62.

“The reception is growing in attendance,” said Ellen Johnson, volunteer for the veteran’s reception. “We have Cherokee veterans that attend every year, like Asa Meigs, a veteran of World War II, and Jack Kingfisher, a Vietnam veteran.”

The reception will feature displays on veterans that served in the armed forces. The displays include information on Elizabeth Sullivan who served a tour of duty in World War II and her late husband, Louis, who served in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II and the Korean War. Jennie and Bob Neeley will share a display on soldiers from the town of Webbers Falls, Okla. They will be bringing the display from the Webbers Falls Museum.

Other veteran’s information on display will include the staff members from the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service that are currently serving in Iraq.

“We would like to extend an invitation to everyone to come and enjoy this program honoring veterans,” Johnson said.

This year’s Cherokee National Holiday begins September 3 and runs through September 5. The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 in commemoration of the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. It has grown into one of the largest events in Oklahoma, attracting more than 70,000 people from across the world. This year’s theme, “The Spirit of the Trail,” celebrates the enduring spirit of the Cherokee people, past, present and future.

For a full schedule visit the Cherokee National Holiday, on the Cherokee Nation’s web site, or call Louie Slagle, phone: 918-456-0671 or 800-256-0671 (ext.2544). For veteran’s reception information, call Ellen Johnson, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2230).

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org