HOULTON, Maine – Veterans Day is traditionally held every Nov. 11, but that is not the only time servicemen and women are honored.
On Saturday, June 21, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians paid tribute to its tribal citizens who served their country as part of a Native American Veterans Day celebration. A small gathering of about 40 people attended the morning salute to tribal veterans, both past and present.
Held at the Maliseet Veterans Cemetery – which is the only Native American cemetery east of the Mississippi River — the ceremony featured an opening prayer by Tribal Elder Dana Boyce, as well as singing and drumming by the Four Winds drum group.
Members of the Chester L. Briggs American Legion Post No. 47 also participated in the ceremony, with bugler Jerry Riley and the Legion’s Honor Guard performing a gun salute for the fallen.
Tribal Chief Clarissa Sabattis was unable to attend the ceremony, but provided a message to the group which was read by Tribal Councilor Beth Aucoin.
“Our tribal citizens have stood alongside our allies for many years, long before the establishment of the United States,” she read. “Today, we come together to celebrate your honor and commitment, which continue the traditions of our ancestors. I recognize that your decision to serve and protect our rights was not made lightly, and I extend my deepest gratitude to you and your families for the sacrifices you have made. I hope you all enjoy today’s festivities. Please remember that our gratitude extends beyond this occasion; we appreciate your service every day. Woliwon!”
About 15 percent of Maine’s Native American population is currently serving on active duty or are veterans. As of June, there were 86 members of the Houlton Band of Maliseets who are veterans, either living or deceased.
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.
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.
