ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Approximately 120 people gathered in Heritage Hall for U.S. Army Sustainment Command's National American Indian Heritage Month observance at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, Nov. 21.
The event began with the national anthem, performed by Ashley Dean. After the invocation, led by Chap. (Lt. Col.) Robert Land, command chaplain, ASC, a video presentation entitled, "We're Still Here", highlighted some of the current struggles and triumphs within Native American communities.
The guest speaker, Lt. Col. Tracey Clyde, deputy G1 (Personnel), First U.S. Army, opened his speech with a Navajo greeting. Clyde, a native Navajo Indian of Shiprock, New Mexico, located in the Navajo Nation, spoke about his history and culture and placed emphasis on honoring Native Americans who serve in the military.
"Whenever we as Native Americans begin a celebration or a ceremonial event, we first honor our military veterans and those currently serving," he said. "And so, it is only fitting to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice paid by 69 Native Americans during OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) and OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom), including four from my hometown of Shiprock, New Mexico."
Throughout his speech, Clyde invited the audience to say various words of the Navajo language, chuckling as the pronunciation proved difficult for most.
"It is gratifying to see the community come together for this event and be willing to learn a little bit about another culture," he said. "For the Soldiers and Service Members, it demonstrates the military is made up of various cultures and people from all walks of life."
Clyde and Dean received plaques from Maj. Gen. Kevin O'Connell, commanding general, ASC, for their contributions to the event.
Asked what he hopes people take away from the presentation, Clyde said, "I hope they understand a little bit about the history of Native Americans and appreciate some of the hardships each tribe endured. But, also understand Native Americans view service to country as one of the preeminent attributes of its tribal members."
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