The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa held its Veterans Day events to honor military service members on Nov. 8 at the band’s Tribal Government and Community Services Building in Nett Lake, MN. The event drew families from across the region to view the film, “Gardens of Stone,” attend a remembrance program, and share stories of those who have served.
As Veterans Day is celebrated today across Indian Country, the Bois Forte Band’s Veterans Memorial serves as another place for the community to gather. The memorial, dedicated on Memorial Day in 2011, is a quiet place. Benches of cedar from Bois Forte lands offer a contemplative view of Spirit Island. The monument hewn from Minnesota Mesabi black granite silently displays the names of Bois Forte veterans across many decades and every branch of the U.S. armed forces.
![Bois Forte Mem Day 2011-59[1]](http://travois.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Bois-Forte-Mem-Day-2011-591.jpg)
“There are many names, which comes as no surprise,” said Tribal Chairman Kevin Leecy at the memorial’s dedication. “Native Americans have served in the armed forces with the highest record of military service of any group in the United States. We have served for centuries, even before we were recognized as citizens of this country. The Bois Forte Band, I am proud to say, has one of the highest numbers of veterans per capita.”
Community members, and those traveling through Nett Lake, have been visiting the monument since it opened. To accompany the memorial, the band has recently created a logbook to tell the stories of the men and women whose names are carved in the granite.
The logbook, titled “Honoring our Warriors,” provides an opportunity for family and friends to submit photographs and written information about the honored veterans so younger generations can learn more about those who have served.
Sharing stories among different generations was one original goal and is an ongoing impact of the monument.
“Thank you for sharing your memories, even the painful ones, so that others many learn from your example,” said Leecy to the assembly in 2011. “Thank you for defending not one but two strong, sovereign nations, the United States and the Bois Forte Band. We are all forever in your debt.”
All of us at Travois send our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all veterans and active service members as well. Happy Veterans Day!
Photos courtesy of Bois Forte Communications from Memorial Day 2011 dedication.
