”The veterans of our local tribes have served this nation with bravery and honor,” Thompson said in his release. “They and their families have earned the right to visit the final resting place of these heroes without the hardship of having to travel hundreds of miles to do so. This new cemetery will be a distinguished memorial site for these Native American veterans and their families.”
Approximately 90 percent of Yurok men of appropriate age served in World Wars I and II. A great number of Yurok women served as well, the release said. Large portions of the population also served in Vietnam and are currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. According to the Department of Defense, more Native Americans serve in the U.S. military service per capita than any other ethnic group.
Yurok Councilman Richard Myers, who served in the Navy's submarine unit from 1962-1966, said the tribe is honored.
”The tribe is very honored and
privileged to play such a substantial role in
providing local native veterans with a final resting
place, worthy of the valuable service they have
given to our nation,” he said in the release.