By Eddie Quezada, News Channel 3 HD Reporter

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION - The Morongo Band of Mission Indians unveiled a memorial, dedicated to men and women of the tribe who served their country, in the plaza of the Morongo administrative complex.

“These are all members from the tribe that are veterans, that have served bravely during wars and served in the military,” says tribal chairman Robert Martin.

Of the estimated 23 million veterans living today, more than 160,000 are Native Americans. About 87 members of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians have served, from World War II to Operation Desert Storm. Their names are engraved on five columns, each representing a branch of the military, with a sixth representing the tribe.

“There is no other Native American memorial that we’re aware of and Morongo feels strongly that we should remember our veterans, our Native American veterans and especially veterans from Morongo,” says Martin.

“This has been a happy occasion and a sad occasion at the same time and it’s kind of a blend that brings us all together as a people and we’re glad to honor these members who served,” says tribe member and veteran Dennis Miller.

Guests included local dignitaries such as Riverside county supervisor Marion Ashley, who came to speak and honor those who fight for our country.

“I’m so very proud of the people of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for their dedication of this memorial and it is truly a privilege that I represent you in Riverside county. To those who have served, to those of you now in service, to those of you who may one day serve, we all say thank you,” Ashley says.

“There should be two Veterans days every year for the sacrifices that have been given,” Miller says.

Eddie Quezada, equezada@kesq.com
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Posted on November 11th, 2009 by hunwut
Filed under: Community, Reservations