Cherokee Nation to Host Veterans Reception At Holiday
TAHLEQUAH, OK — Honoring all service men and women, the Cherokee Nation will host a Veterans Reception in conjunction with the 56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday, on Saturday, August 30, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the reception room of the Place Where They Play located on the campus of Sequoyah Schools.
“The Cherokee Nation has sponsored a Veterans Reception for several years during the holiday,” said Rogan Noble, event coordinator. “This year marks the first time that the Cherokee Nation Office of Veterans Affairs will host the event. We would like to extend a formal invitation to all veterans, of all eras to come and fellowship with us, renew old friendships and make new ones.”
The reception will include a showing of the film Way of the Warrior, a documentary about the warrior ethic in Native American communities. The film explores how Native communities traditionally view their warriors and why Native men and women have volunteered for military service at a rate three times higher than non-Indians during the 20th century.
The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 in tribute to the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. It has grown into one of the largest events in Oklahoma, attracting more than 90,000 visitors from across the world.
Each year a theme is chosen for the Cherokee National Holiday that celebrates Cherokee Nation’s rich heritage and culture. The 2008 theme is "di ni yo tli u na li s de lv do di, Planting the Seed Corn for our Children's Future."
“In this theme, we honor all the Cherokee parents and grandparents whose everyday actions are dedicated to establishing strong, self-sufficient children and communities. Cherokee community members have great respect for these individuals who care and plan for the Cherokee Nation’s leaders of tomorrow,” said Smith.
“To all of our veterans, I say thank you for your service and welcome home,” said Noble.