Annual Walk with the Warriors Event Recognizes Native Veterans
Photo 1: Walk with the Warriors organizer Jake Singer
addresses the ceremony audience.
For immediate release:
November 8, 2005
Contact:
Michael Wero, NNWO
202-775-0393 x206
Washington DC - As a breeze rolled over the hollowed grounds of
Arlington Cemetery yesterday, a group of Native Veterans and others
gathered to recognize the sacrifices made by Native Americans in the
defense of freedom while serving in the armed forces.
"I am honored to be involved in recognizing the sacrifices our Native
American Veterans have made so that we can continue to live free," said
Omer Begay Jr., (Greasewood Springs), one of several Council Delegates
who attended the ceremony.
Other speakers at the ceremony, now in its eighth year and coordinated
by Navajo veteran Jake Singer, included Judith Young from Gold Star
Mothers, Susan Naill from Blue Star Mothers and US Army (retired) Ltc.
John Dooley from Operation Carry the Flame. All the speakers thanked
the service of Native Americans for their history of service for
America and asked for additional recognition for the Gold and Blue Star
Mothers of Native Nations.
The speakers also applauded everyone involved the drive to rally
Congress to establish November 7 formally as Native American Veterans
Day, especially Representative Rick Renzi (R-AZ 1st) who has
continually pushed for such legislation since first elected in 2002
"We're grateful by the efforts of Representative Renzi to request
President Bush to formally establish November 7 as Native American
Veterans Day," said Council Delegate LeRoy Thomas (Dilkon). "While this
designation has not yet occurred, we are optimistic we will be
successful."
After the rally, a solemn walk began at Arlington Cemetery, crossed
Memorial Bridge, passed the Lincoln Memorial and ended with laying
flowers at the World War II memorial.
Representatives from the Navajo Nation Washington Office, the Navajo
Department of Veterans Affairs that also involved Angela Barney-Nez
from the Office of Speaker Lawrence Morgan also attended the event
which also included visits to Capitol Hill and the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs.
"I hope all of Native Nations will join me in thanking and supporting
our native men and women currently fighting the war on terrorism," said
Council Delegate Woody Lee (Sweetwater), "They represent a long history
of service by our people."
Special thanks to Bea Woodward for passing this on!
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Last updated on November 15, 2005