Service and Sacrifice: Veterans Day 2026
Service and Sacrifice: Veterans Day 2026
Saturday, November 7, 10:30 AM–5 PM
Join in for this full-day program honoring Native Americans in every branch of the US military. Throughout the day, visitors of all ages can learn more about Native military service and honor veterans through an exhibition, presentations, a short film, hands-on activities, various information tables, and more.
Learn about the significance of tobacco in Indigenous cultures and make prayer ties to honor veterans. Dr. Christine Sims (Acoma Pueblo) will share stories of Pueblo men who served as Code Talkers in World War II. Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) archivist Ryan S. Flahive will discuss the life and legacy of Native fashion designer, co-founder of IAIA, and veteran Lloyd “Kiva” New (Cherokee, 1916-2002). The lighting of the flame of the National Native American Veterans Memorial will feature an Honor Song and drum by Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa/Isanti Dakota/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) and Ralph Zotigh (Kiowa/Isanti Dakota/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo). The Native American Women Warriors will retire the colors to conclude the day’s events.
Portions of the day’s events will be livestreamed, watch at AmericanIndian.si.edu/livestream.
Major support provided by The Boeing Company.