3 Takeaways: 

• The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Veterans Memorial revealing ceremony was held on March 29. 
• The memorial honors all six branches of military service.
• SRPMIC Veterans Department Coordinator Amanda White served as the emcee for the ceremony. 

After less than two years since the groundbreaking and several years of planning, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Veterans Memorial in Lehi is now complete. 

On the morning of March 29, SRPMIC held a revealing ceremony for the new memorial. Members of the SRPMIC Tribal Council, the SRPMIC Veterans Department, as well as Lynwood Vest and more participated. 

The SRPMIC Veterans Memorial consists of six cenotaphs, one for each branch of the military. The names of military veterans who are no longer with us will be etched onto the cenotaphs.

“Thank you for joining us this morning for this significant occasion. This memorial pays tribute to the courage of the individuals who have served this country and our Community,” began SRPMIC Veterans Representative Amanda White. 

She added, “I remember in 2021, we came out here with Bob Aguilar, Garnet Gates, Robert Chiago and more. There were two concrete blocks and a water spigot out here, and we just envisioned how it was going to look. I remember the guys brought sticks and started planning where everything would be.”

Following her introduction and welcome, White called Lynwood Vest to the lectern to sing two traditional songs and provide a few remarks. 

“A long time ago in our Piipaash way, before they went off to battle, they would have gatherings, sing and tell stories,” began Vest. “A lot of the songs they would sing were songs that some of the warriors wanted to hear. They’d get together and have a feast,” he said. 

Afterwards, SRPMIC Council member Michael Dallas Sr. spoke from the heart as he addressed the audience. “Some few years back, the Veterans Department took veterans to Washington, D.C. We got to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and they took part in the Memorial Day Parade.”

Dallas Sr. continued, “A gentleman came up to me and he said, ‘I never realized there were so many Native Americans that served in the conflicts. Thank you for their sacrifice.’ Sometimes our history isn’t taught in regard to how we served. This is a free country we live in, [and] there is a sacrifice. When you see right now with the military that’s going overseas, I ask you to continue to pray over them and their families.”

After his words, several birds began to soar in the sky before resting atop nearby piles of dirt and land located behind the memorial. 

Dallas Construction President David Dallas also provided a few words. “First, I want to thank the Community, the veterans and their families for their dedication. As a Community member, this project means more to me than just another job. This is personal. This is about honoring our people—those who served, sacrificed, carried our name and values wherever they went.”

During his speech, Dallas revealed that work on the site had to be temporarily halted for about two months as the team discovered significant cultural and archaeological findings during construction. 

“The spirit was always honored in the work that was done,” said Dallas. 

White then called for the laying of the wreath, which was performed by the family of Derek Dalton. “Today we are especially honored to have the family of a respected Lehi veteran, the late Derek Dalton. Derek was a proud member of the United States Navy and a familiar presence with us at our veterans meetings over the years. He generously shared his insights, voice and heart in helping shape this memorial. For that, we are truly grateful.”

As the revealing ceremony neared its end, SRPMIC Council member Deanna Scabby provided closing remarks and a prayer, asking for the continued protection of all veterans and their families, as well as the Community as a whole. 

“It’s important that we know the reason we’re here to enjoy this land is because they went and they served,” she said.