Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas visits Washington D.C. for dedication ceremony

Washington D.C. (KLTV) - The dedication for the Native American Veterans Memorial has been completed in the nation’s capital, after two years of pandemic delays.

Tribal members from the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas were on hand for the procession and ceremony in front of the U.S. Capitol building Friday afternoon. They were joined by hundreds of other Native Americans and veterans from across the country.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has been a long supporter of both the National Museum of the American Indian and the new veterans memorial.

It’s the first national landmark commemorating the contribution of American Indians, Alaska natives, and native Hawaiians in every branch of the U.S. military. Many of those military members served in wars far before they were recognized citizens.

“This country is our county, and our duty is to serve our country,” said Army Veteran and Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Member Roland Poncho. “Especially in Vietnam... out of the 42,000 Native Americans serving in Vietnam, 90% were volunteers.”

That service is now forever enshrined on the same grounds committed to preserving Native American history.

“The Native Americans have been placed in different areas where economic development is not possible,” said Poncho. “Over a period of time we have overcome those barriers, and the main thing is being visible and being recognized. This is one more way in which recognition is given.

The festivities in Washington D.C. continue through the rest of Veterans Day weekend with films, storytelling, performances and more.

To learn more about the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, click here.

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