Governor Bill AnoatubbyA long tradition of Indian military service for America
May is the time of year when new life is bursting forth around us. The trees, the grass, the flowers are all coming on strong and making our world more beautiful.
It's also a great time of year for students, who look forward to fun, productive summers and – for graduates – the new challenges that lie ahead.
May is also the time when we honor all those Americans who have given their lives in defense of our country.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and came into being during the War Between the States. Families of Union soldiers began decorating the graves of their fallen relatives in May, and Southern women's organizations were doing the same in Virginia.
Indian warriors began serving the American Revolutionaries before the rebels had driven out the British and formed the new country. They also fought alongside the Americans during the War of 1812, driving the British out one more time.
Indian men fought with both the Union and the Confederacy during the War Between the States, and Chickasaw warriors were key allies of the Confederate States of America in Indian Territory.
Indian warriors from I.T. were recruited by Theodore Roosevelt and fought with the Rough Riders in Cuba during the Spanish-American War in 1898.
More than 12,000 Indians fought in World War I, and most of the Indian soldiers from our area fought with the 142nd Infantry in France. More than 44,000 Indian military men and women fought in the European and Pacific Theatres during World War II. Participation was very high as the Indian population at that time was only about 350,000.
Many Chickasaw and other Indian soldiers fought in Korea. During the Vietnam War, more than 42,000 Indian men and women – 90% of them volunteers – were engaged, many in combat operations.
Of course, many Indians continue to volunteer, now for the Middle East conflicts.
In 1912, a U.S. Army major said, "The real secret that makes the Indian such an outstanding soldier is his enthusiasm for the fight."
I think that statement truly captures the courage, patriotism and commitment of Indian people toward their country. Although many Indians were not even allowed to become U.S. citizens until 1924 with the signing of the Snyder Act, the vast majority were and are tremendously supportive of America.
It is interesting that Memorial Day 2012 falls on May 28. On that very day, in 1830, Andrew Jackson signed into law the Indian Removal Act. That legislation, of course, opened the doors to Removal of the Five Civilized Tribes from their Southeastern homelands.
It is difficult for many non-Indians to understand why Indian people are so fervently patriotic and willing to risk all for their country. For us, it is not difficult at all – we simply love our country.
On Memorial Day, we honor our Indian veterans – and all American veterans – who have sacrificed so much in defense of America.
