Honoring our Veterans
On November 26, 2003, we unveiled our Veterans Memorial Wall dedicated to 375 tribal members who served in the United States armed forces. The memorial is an expression of our everlasting tribute to veterans-past and present.
These tribal members served their country well and achieved many battlefield honors, but they received little recognition for those accomplishments. Still, these veterans demonstrated a quiet strength and unqualified courage to defend the liberties and freedom of all people.
Included on the memorial wall are nine tribal members who were killed in action. Also included on this wall is one prisoner of war-Nelson Potts-during World War II; 17 members who served in the First World War; 95 who fought in World War II; 79 in Korea; 99 in Vietnam; and 9 in Desert Storm.
By standing up and defending America, these veterans helped strengthen our nation and they made the world a better place for us all.
We must never forget the contributions of the many veterans of this country - both non-Indian and Indian. Together with our We-Ta-Se (meaning "one who is brave") American Legion Post 410, we honor veterans today and always.
Steve Ortiz, Chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, proudly served the United States as a Marine in the Vietnam War. He subsequently re-enlisted in the Army, where he served as a medic.
"Veterans represent the honor and dignity of our Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation," Ortiz said. "Veterans have been willing to serve, no matter the tribal affiliation, and have displayed a willingness to give of themselves for the greater cause of peace."
Cherishing our Elders
We honor our elders for their wisdom and knowledge of history. We cherish the lessons they teach us.
Several families within the Nation are multi-generational native families who are committed to teaching traditional Potawatomi values and language. They also strive to live harmoniously with nature.
Our Firekeepers Elder Center is dedicated to serving our senior citizens through meals and other activities. This also is where we base our Language Department, whose goal is to restore, revive and preserve the language, culture and history of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. In doing so, the Department utilizes the knowledge of several elders who either work directly in the Department or volunteer their time teaching the Potawatomi language to children and their families.
These elders also tell ancestral stories, demonstrate food ways and teach how to make Potawatomi regalia as well as other items.
We are dedicated to protecting and preserving our life ways as a key to establishing a strong tribal economy and a sustainable environment, and continuing our thriving culture and healthy government. Through integrating tribal-specific traditions and values into programs and government, we set a solid foundation upon which our youth can build bright futures.
Overall, we are striving for self sufficiency. We respect Mother Earth, the Potawatomi language, and Potawatomi cultural traditions. Those values, combined with the inter-disciplinary education they offer, contribute to a more satisfying quality of life for the people of our Nation.
