Native Americans Celebrate a Strong Tradition of Service in the Armed Forces
PHOENIX, AZ (PRWEB) May 23, 2015 -- Memorial Day is often seen as a day off work to BBQ and share time with friends and family. However, it is also a time to reflect on those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that all Americans could enjoy freedom today. Benefiting Arizona honors all of Americas veterans who have served in the Armed Forces, especially those of Native American descent.
Benefiting Arizona recently published an article outlining the many contributions of Native Americans to the cause of freedom for all Americans. While the Navajo Code Talkers and Iwo Jima flag raiser, Ira Hayes, are some of the more recognizable names, Native Americans have served in the US military for nearly 150 years. In fact, Native Americans have the highest per-capita commitment of any ethnic population to defend the United States.
During World War I, Native Americans could not be drafted, however, that didn’t stop over 10,000 from enlisting in the armed forces. During World War II, over 44,000 Native Americans served in various military branches, receiving just about every known combat service award possible including various Purple Hearts, Air Medals, Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Distinguished Service Crosses, and three Congressional Medals of Honor. The Korean Conflict saw 10,000 Native American troops and four Medals of Honor, while Vietnam saw 42,000 Native American service people, 90% of whom were volunteers.
This Memorial Day, Native Americans throughout the US celebrate a strong tradition of service as well as a commitment to the land that is their home. Their service has led to countless acts of heroism and thousands of lives saved. Benefiting Arizona honors their sacrifice and celebrates their service with the article entitled, Native Americans Celebrate a Strong Tradition of Service in the Armed Forces. To read the original article, visit http://benefitingarizona.org/native-americans-celebrate-a-strong-tradition-of-service-in-the-armed-forces/
About Benefiting Arizona
Benefiting Arizona is a grass roots organization of individuals, businesses, Tribes, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations who support the many benefits experienced by the people of Arizona as a result of the current government-to-government gaming compacts that Tribes in Arizona have entered into with the State. For more information, visit BenefitingArizona.org.
Marco Ceglie, Benefitting Arizona, http://benefitingarizona.org, +1 (718) 483-6616, [email protected]
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