Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces

Soldiers Memorial Military Museum presents Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces from June 20 - August 30.

Organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the National Museum of the American Indian, the exhibition explores 250 years of Native American military service and its lasting impact on the United States Armed Forces.

 The exhibition examines Native military involvement from the American Revolution through present-day service, highlighting the contributions of Native veterans who have served — often in extraordinary numbers — throughout American history.

 Visitors will encounter stories from multiple eras of Native military history, including Army scouts of the 19th century, the Native code talkers of both world wars, Native women serving during World War II and Native service members in Vietnam and the Middle East.

 Why We Serve also features a short film sharing firsthand accounts from Native American veterans across different branches of the armed forces. Through personal reflections and testimony, the exhibition explores the complex relationship between military service, identity, patriotism, tribal traditions and responsibility to Native homelands and communities.