Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2005 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation honored veterans today in Tahlequah with the dedication of the Cherokee Warrior’s Memorial. Close to 300 people attended the dedication ceremony at the Cherokee Nation tribal complex.
Members of the Ladies Auxillary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart joined Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, Deputy Principal Chief Joe Grayson, Jr., Bobbie Gail Smith and Miss Cherokee LaShawna Fields during a wreath laying ceremony at the dedication of the Cherokee Warrior’s Memorial in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. 
Activities for the ceremony included a fly-in of a U. S. Marine Corps 34D helicopter, a welcome home to all veterans, a performance by the Adult Cherokee Nation Choir, a wreath laying ceremony, and special remarks by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, Deputy Principal Chief Joe Grayson, Jr., Debra Wilson, Dr. Richard Allen and members of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. A proclamation was also read by Elizabeth Olmo of the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
"One of every four Native American males is a military veteran," said Smith. "Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita compared to other ethnic groups. The commitment and contributions of Native Americans in the United States military service is extraordinary."
Smith also acknowledged the support of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council in the building and development of the memorial, stating that without their dedication and support the memorial project would never have been accomplished.
The memorial is 100 feet across and has a 50-foot Cherokee Nation seal with a seven pointed star in the center. The three tallest flagpoles fly the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action, the Cherokee Nation and the U. S. flag. The smaller poles fly the flags of the seven clans of the Cherokee. Lights illuminate the flags at night. The 6-foot by 12-foot granite wall centerpiece is inscribed in both Cherokee and English reading "A grateful Cherokee Nation dedicates this memorial to all Cherokee men and women, both living and dead, who have defended their families, their people and their homeland."
Two .105MM-caliber guns also sit on the memorial. The U. S. Marine Corps gun, with "Thunder" painted in Cherokee on the barrel sits on the north side and the U. S. Army’s gun, with "Lightning" also painted in Cherokee, sits on the south.
"We wanted to develop something that would recognize all of our veterans," said Grayson, who is also a veteran and served in the Vietnam War. "This memorial honors both our present day warriors and our ancient warriors, all of whom defend the homeland. We want them to know they will not be forgotten."
Benefits counselor for the Cherokee Nation Veterans Affairs Office (VAO) Rogan Noble said that the planning and creation of the memorial has been years in the making, and that he and other veterans are glad to see the memorial open to the public, stating that he is "very proud" of the efforts that have gone into the building of the memorial.
"It shows that the Cherokee Nation thinks a lot of veterans," said Noble. "It is truly a legacy of the tribe."
The memorial includes a brick sidewalk around the memorial, complete with names as well as personal messages of love, pride and honor for those who have served. Bricks can still be purchased and are available for $25 each from the Cherokee Nation VAO office.
The memorial is free and open to the public. For more information on the memorial or for information on purchasing a brick, contact Noble, phone: 918-453-5695.
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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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 |
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 |