Coverage of tribal natural resources is supported in part by Catena Foundation
Native Americans have served in every major U.S. military conflict since the Revolutionary War. At least 24,000 Indigenous service members are currently in the armed forces. They account for nearly 2% of total U.S. active duty personnel.
And more than 140,000 Native veterans are still living today. Among them are the only surviving World War II Navajo Code Talkers: Peter MacDonald, 94; John Kinsel Sr., 106; and 98-year-old Thomas Begay.
Begay was selected as one of seven grand marshals for the 2023 Phoenix Veterans Parade today.
“Remember all of us,” Begay told KJZZ News. “Even I served our country to save the lives of American people. I’m proud to say, ‘Happy Veterans Day.’”
