Three Chickasaw veterans recently placed a wreath on the tomb of the unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery to honor all Chickasaw veterans.
Jerald Nichols, Jimmy D. Eddlemon and James D. Moore took part in the ceremony during a trip to Washington D.C. the tribe offers to veterans in appreciation for their service.
Bill Anoatubby, governor of the Chickasaw Nation, said that it is fitting that the veterans placed the wreath at the tomb.
"Those who have served in the armed forces have a unique understanding of the significance of the memorial," said Gov. Anoatubby. "They know better than most the great sacrifices necessary to protect our country and preserve our freedom. This trip is one way we express our appreciation to those who serve to advance the cause of freedom."
Mr. Nichols, an Air National Guard veteran from Norman, Okla., said that he was honored to pay tribute to all those who have paid the price for our freedom. He added that it was a privilege to take part in the solemn ceremony.
Mr. Eddlemon an Air Force veteran from Seminole, Okla., said it felt "wonderful" to honor those who shared the love of country that led him to a career in the Air Force.
Mr. Moore, an Army veteran from Lindsay, Okla., said it was a thrill to take part in the ceremony on behalf of all those who have served their country.
"I didn't do this just for me, I did it for everyone, the living as well as the dead," he said, adding that the tomb represents all those who have fought and died to protect our freedom.
Fifteen Chickasaw veterans from Oklahoma, Texas, California and Oregon took part in the trip, which began Nov. 8 and continues through Nov. 12.
The Chickasaw Nation has been offering about 15 Chickasaw elder veterans the opportunity to visit Washington DC on Veterans' Day for several years.
Karen Cook, administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Division on Aging, said the trips originally came about as a way to offer veterans of World War II the opportunity to see the World War II Memorial.
"With the support of Governor Anoatubby we wanted to show our appreciation to our elder Chickasaw veterans and we thought a trip to Washington DC would be a good way to do that," said Ms. Cook. "We started with our World War II veterans and thought it would be great to bring them to see the World War II Monument, because many of them had not been able to see it.
"It was such a successful trip we decided to continue on with the trips for our World War II veterans and our Korean War veterans."
James McCurtain, an Army veteran from Arcata, California, said the trip sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation offers an opportunity he would not otherwise have.
"It is hard to describe when you're around a bunch of other veterans or a bunch of people who are patriotic," said Mr. McCurtain. "It kind of puts a lump in your throat when you go to the memorials because you know what the boys have done for us so we can live in this free country."
