Yurok Honor Guard helps dedicate D.C. Native American Veterans Memorial

WASHINGTON D.C. — On Wednesday, the Yurok Tribe recognized the Yurok Honor Guard for its role in dedicating the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. this past Veteran's Day.

The dedication on Nov. 11 was sponsored by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian where the memorial is now located. The event was an important moment for Native veterans, who have not always been recognized for their service, according to the Yurok Tribe.

The procession began near the Veterans Memorial and ended in front of the U.S. Capitol building. According to the Tribe the memorial, an elevated stainless-steel circle balanced on a stone drum, marks the first time Native veterans have been recognized for their military service on a national scale.

The Yurok Tribe posted the following on Facebook:

"Per capita, rates of military service among Native Americans are higher than any other ethnic group. Yurok people have served in every major foreign conflict in US history. During WWI and WWII, nearly every age eligible male and many female Yurok citizens volunteered to serve. During WWI, Yurok citizens were left out of the draft because Native Americans were not considered citizens of the US. Still, Yurok people signed up to fight and many made the ultimate sacrifice. Numerous Yurok citizens continue to serve in the US armed forces."

Phillip Williams, an Army veteran, head of the Yurok Color Guard and Yurok Tribal Council Member led the guard in the procession. Williams was quoted in the Facebook post saying that Native veterans and families from across the county deserve special recognition for their service.

Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe, shared that sentiment, calling the memorial a "great tribute," and adding, "Our Yurok veterans will always have a special place in my heart."

According to the Yurok tribe, the following members of the Yurok Honor Guard participated in the dedication:

Phillip Williams (Council Member) U.S. Army

Earl Jackson (Deputy Executive Director-Administration) U.S. Marine Corps

Mica Brooks (Veterans Wellness Court Coordinator) U.S. Navy

Harold Myers U.S. Marine Corps

Jared Ammon U.S. Navy

Rob Kinney Jr. U.S. Air Force

Amanda Ammon U.S. Army

Nah-Tes Jackson U.S. Marine Corps

Jimmie Jones U.S. Army

David O’Neill U.S. Air Force

Jessica Carter (Tribal Court Director)

Tamara Brooks (Tribal Court)

James Brooks (Photographer)