LITTLETON, Maine – While November is traditionally reserved as the time to honor those who have served in the armed forces, June is the time to recognize the nation’s first settlers for their roles in serving this country.
Wednesday, June 21, is designated as Native American Veterans Day and as such, the Houlton Band of Maliseets honored their tribal veterans with a touching ceremony. A small gathering of about 40 people attended Wednesday morning’s salute to tribal veterans, both past and present.
Members of the Chester L. Briggs American Legion Post No. 47 gun squad offer a firing salute during Native American Veterans Day.
(Photo courtesy of HBMI)
Held at the Maliseet Veterans Cemetery, the ceremony featured an opening prayer by Tribal Elder Dana Boyce, as well as singing and drumming by members of the Maliseet tribe. A bugler and gun salute squad from the Chester L. Briggs Post No. 47 also participated in Wednesday’s ceremony.
“I want to thank all of our Tribal citizens who have served (in the armed forces),” Houlton Tribal Chief Clarissa Sabattis said. “Indigenous people serve at a higher rate in our country than any other population and I am proud that so many from our community have served. Today, we celebrate all of our heroes who have served.”
According to the 2000 Census, 15 percent of Maine’s Native American population were serving on active duty or veterans. As of June, there were 83 members of the Houlton Band of Maliseets who are veterans. That number does not include those veterans who lost their lives while serving this nation.
Signed into Maine law on June 21, 2022, Native American Veterans day is a time to honor the rich history tribal members have played in serving in the armed forces. The date for Native American Veterans Day has an historical significance, harkening back to the Tribe’s effort during the American Revolution.
Tribal Chief Clarissa Sabattis (left) and Tribal Elder Dayna Boyce sing a song during the Native American Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday, June 21.
(Photo courtesy of HBMI)
According to the Maine proclamation, on June 21, 1775, soon after the Battle of Bunker Hill in the early stages of the American Revolution, Penobscot Chief Joseph Orono met with General George Washington at Watertown and agreed that his tribe’s warriors, as well as others in the Wabanaki Confederacy, would join forces with the Continental Army to fight a common enemy in the struggle for freedom.
Members of 33 tribes served as code talkers in World War I and World War II; and more than 44,000 Native Americans served with distinction between 1941 and 1945, including members of Maine’s Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Mi’kmaq tribes.
During World War II, Native American men and women were also an integral part of the war effort, with more than 40,000 leaving their communities to work in ordnance depots, factories, and other war industries.
Following the ceremony, a luncheon was held at the Maliseet Community Center.
