[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 111 (Tuesday, September 19, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8770-S8771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 137--RECOGNIZING, APPRECIATING, AND 
REMEMBERING WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT THE NATIVE AMERICAN MEN AND WOMEN 
         WHO HAVE SERVED THE UNITED STATES IN MILITARY SERVICE

  Mr. LEVIN submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs:

                            S. Con. Res. 137

       Whereas it is necessary to recognize, appreciate, assist, 
     and remember the Native American men and women who have 
     served the United States in military service;
       Whereas Native American men and women have served the 
     United States armed forces in every military campaign since 
     the American Revolutionary War;
       Whereas some tribes, notably the Ottawa Nation, sent a 
     special company of warriors to serve in the Civil War with 
     the Michigan Sharpshooters and the Ottawa Warriors of Company 
     K were highly decorated for their brave actions in that 
     military action;
       Whereas some tribes, notably the Ottawa Nation, sent their 
     finest warriors to serve in the Spanish American War and one 
     of their warriors distinguished himself in the calvary with 
     Teddy Roosevelt on San Juan Hill;
       Whereas some tribes, notably Ottawa, Chippewa, and 
     Potawatomi answered the warrior call from within and served 
     in great numbers in World War I even though they were not 
     accepted as citizens of this country at that time;
       Whereas the Navajo Code Talkers as well as other tribes, 
     including the Ottawa and Chippewa, used their sacred 
     languages to assist our country in World War II;
       Whereas these sacred languages were also used to assist the 
     United States efforts in the Korean war and the Vietnam 
     conflict during which Native American veterans distinguished 
     themselves with their bravery;
       Whereas Native American veterans served in operations 
     Desert Storm and Desert Shield; and
       Whereas Native Americans have served in the United States 
     military in numbers that far exceed their representation in 
     the United States population: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the Congress recognizes, appreciates, and 
     remembers with dignity and respect the service to the United 
     States of Native American veterans.

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, today I am pleased to submit a concurrent 
resolution along with Representative Bart Stupak which recognizes the 
Native American men and women who have served in the United States 
military.
  This resolution recognizes the contributions of Native Americans in 
the United States Military service which are indeed impressive. Native 
Americans have served in the United States military since the American 
Revolution. During the Civil War, there were 3 Confederate units and 1 
Union unit primarily made up of Native Americans from the Oklahoma 
tribes. Many Native Americans fought in the Spanish American War. In 
fact, one warrior from Michigan, Jonas Shawandase, fought bravely with 
Teddy Roosevelt on San Juan Hill.
  In World War I, many Native Americans were so eager to join that they 
went to Canada to enlist before the United States entered the war. 
6,000 of the more than 8,000 who served during this war were 
volunteers. This tremendous act of patriotism persuaded Congress to 
pass the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924. During World War II, 25,000 
Native American men and women fought on all fronts in Europe and Asia, 
receiving more than 71 Air Medals, 51 Silver Stars, 47 Bronze Stars, 34 
Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Congressional Medals of Honor. In 
fact Ira

[[Page S8771]]

Hayes, a Pima Indian, was one of the men to raise the flag on Iwo Jima.
  In the Vietnam War more than 41,500 Native Americans served in the 
United States Armed Forces. Of those, 90% were volunteers, giving 
Native Americans the highest record of service of any ethnic group in 
the country. In 1990, prior to Operation Desert Storm, some 24,000 
Native American men and women were in the military. Approximately 3,000 
served in the Persian Gulf. One of every four Native American males is 
a military veteran.
  Native Americans in Michigan have told me that veterans are greatly 
respected in Native American societies and this honor is nowhere more 
apparent than at powwows. At a powwow celebration, the veterans are 
given the honor of carrying the flag and are the first to enter the 
powwow circle.
  This resolution recognizes those Native Americans who with dignity 
served in the U.S. military. We note today their service to this 
country and honor Native Americans for their military contributions.

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