American Indian Heritage Month
The Department of Veterans Affairs proudly joins the Nation in observing American
Indian Heritage Month during November. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there
are nearly 2.5 million American Indians in our country. Their rich history speaks
to us through the names of our cities, lakes, and rivers; the magnificent ruins
of ancient communities; and most important, the lives of the people who retain the
cultural, spiritual, linguistic, and kinship bonds that have existed for millennia.
At VA, it's especially important to honor American Indians who have served in our
armed forces. Approximately 12,000 served in the U.S. military during World War
I. More than 44,000-of a population of less than 350,000 Native Americans-served
in European and Pacific war theaters between 1941 and 1945. And approximately 42,000
American Indians, 90 percent of them volunteers, fought in Vietnam. To learn more
about their military service, visit www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq61-1.htm.
For further information about VA's National Native American Program, contact the
program manager.
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