The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community celebrated Veterans Day on November 11 at the Salt River Community Building by honoring Community members who have served in all branches of the military.

Veteran’s representative Amanda White said that she’s happy that there were more Community members attending than on previous Community Veterans Days.

“Overall, we had a great turnout, with more Community members attending than before, which makes me very happy,” said White.

The day before the event, on November 10, was the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Some Community-member Marines stood up to be recognized throughout the event, and members of other armed forces thanked the Marines for their service as well.

Council Member Wi-Bwa Grey began the event with the invocation, leading right into the Parade of Colors by the SRPD Honor Guard.

While the SRPD Honor Guard stood in front of the Community veterans, Jr. Miss Salt River Diondria Pilger recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Miss Salt River Sialik King sang the national anthem.

Afterward, SRPMIC President Martin Harvier shared a welcome message to Community veterans. Vice-President Ricardo Leonard also delivered a Veterans Day message. When Leonard was finished addressing veterans, Council Member David Antone facilitated a closing prayer.

Harvier made it a point to say that people who served in the armed forces but did not see action should still be honored for their service. He likened soldiers who didn’t see action to players from a sports team coming off the bench to be ready to contribute, to be called into action. He mentioned a female soldier he knows who once said didn’t feel like she deserved appreciation because she did not see action like her peers did.

“I believe all of our soldiers that stepped up and … joined the military, even during peacetime, … we should make sure that we should also honor those individuals,” said Harvier.

“So, if there are any here that have those feelings, I want you to know that your country appreciates your sacrifice. We want to recognize all veterans. So many men and women from our Community stepped up [when called upon to serve the country].”

As a part of a civic project, the Jr. Quail Mentorship Program (kindergarten through first-grade youth) wrote letters to Community veterans, which were delivered by hand by SRPMIC Royalty and Miss Salt River Committee members to the Community veterans in attendance.

White, who thanked the Community Relations Office for their support before and during the event, said the atmosphere of the event was incredibly welcoming.

“I overheard many Community members expressing how the event brought back cherished memories and how pleased they were to see everyone mingling,” said White. “I eagerly look forward to what we can do next year to honor our Community’s veterans and their families, and to encourage even more members to join in the celebration.”