Choctaw Nation to honor veterans at annual event

Derrick James, McAlester News-Capital, Okla.
·2 min read

Nov. 10—The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma will honor veterans Saturday during its annual event held in Tuskahoma.

A Veterans Day Ceremony is set for 11 a.m. Nov. 11 in the Arts & Crafts Building on the Historic Choctaw Capitol Grounds at Tuskahoma.

The annual ceremony draws approximately 1,000 Choctaw members, veterans, and family members who gather to observe the holiday.

All Choctaw tribal members who have served in any branch of military service are encouraged to attend the annual event. Family members, friends, and the public also are invited to the free event.

"It says in the Bible, there's no greater thing that you can do than lay down for your fellow friends, for your neighbor," said Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton following the 2022 event. "And that's what these people have done for us. That's what our Code Talkers done for us. They truly have made these sacrifices."

Along with Batton, Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr., and members of the tribal council will be in attendance along with other officials to give words of gratitude and inspiration.

The event will also have performances by Choctaw royalty, Choctaw elders, and the Talihina High School Marching Band.

"The ceremony will honor Choctaw tribal members who have served in uniform," the tribe said in a press release announcing the event. "Choctaw veterans from across Oklahoma and other states, and veterans from World War II to the present help make it one of the most well-attended activities sponsored by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma each year."

Veterans in attendance will be entering into drawings for door prizes, including a hunting trip at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge. A free lunch will be provided for all those who attend.

"We honor and try to give back to our veterans," Batton said. "We want to do everything that we can to show our support for our veterans."

More information about how the Choctaw Nation provides to its veterans and its advocacy program can be found online at www.choctawnation.com/services/veteran-advocacy.