American Indians have participated with distinction in the United States Armed Forces for more than 200 years.  Our courage, determination, and fighting spirit were recognized by American military leaders as early as the 18th century.

It is estimated that more than 12,000 American Indians served in the United States Armed Forces in World War I, Approximately 600 Oklahoma Indians, mostly Choctaw and Cherokee, were assigned to the 142nd Infantry of the 36th Texas-Oklahoma National Gaurd Division.  The 142nd saw action in France and its soliders were widely recognized for thier contributions in battle.

The outbreak of World War II brought American Indians Warriors back to the battlefield in defense of thier sacred homelands.  Although now eligible for the draft by virtue of the Snyder Act, which gave citizenship to American Indians in 1924, conscription alone does not account for the disaproportionate number of Indians who joined the Armed Forces.  More than 44,000 American Indians, out of a total Native American population of less than 350,000, served with distinction between 1941 and 1945 in both European and Pacific theaters of war.  Native American men and women on the home front also showed an intense desire to serve thier country, and were an integral part of the war effort.  More than 40,000 Indian people left thier reservations to work in ordinance depots, factories, and other war industries.  American Indians also invested more than $50,000,000 in war bonds, and contributed generously to the Red Cross and the Army and Navy Relief societies.

Battle-experienced American Indian troops from World War II were joined by newly recruited Native Americans to fight Communist aggression during the Korean conflict.  The Native American's strong sense of patriotism and courage emerged once again during the Vietnam era.  Native American contributions in the United States military combat continued in the 1980's and 1990's as they saw duty in Grenada, Panama, Somalia, and the Persian Gulf.

As the 20th century comes to a close, there are nearly 190,000 Native American military veterans.  It is well recognized that, historically, Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita when compared to other ethnic groups.  The reasons behind this disproportionate contribution are complex and deep rooted in Traditional American Indian culture.  In many respects, Native Americans are no different from others who volunteer for military service.  They do, however, have distinctive cultural values which drive them to serve thier country.  One such value is thier proud Warrior Tradition.

In part, the Warrior Tradition is a willingness to engage the enemy in battle.  This characteristic has been clearly demonstrated by the courageous deeds of Native Americans in combat.  However, the Warrior Tradition is best exemplified by the following qualities said to be inherent to most if not all Native American societies: Strength, Honor, Pride, Devotion, and Wisdom.

Lisa Mitten

"The Rosebud Sioux Tribe extends an invitation to every veteran, Indian & Non-Indian alike to the 129th Annual Rosebud Fair & Wacipi. We welcome the general public who wish to be a part of Native American history to participate and join us in our celebration to HonorTribal Nation's and their Warriors."

"It is time, that we as Tribal Nations honor our warriors with a memorial to call thier own. Zuya ta Paha, honors warriors who defended our homelands to ensure that we have the lands that we call home today. It also honors the tribal members who have served or are presently serving in the United States Armed Forces throughout the world. Our warriors are the reason that we are free. The Rosebud Indian Reservation is proud to be the home of this memorial honoring American Indian Warriors"

Charles C. Colombe, President

Rosebud Sioux Tribe