DC | Service and Sacrifice: Veterans Day 2026
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About this event
Join the National Museum of the American Indian in honoring the enduring and distinguished service of Native Americans in every branch of the US military. Throughout the day, visitors of all ages can learn more about Native military service and honor veterans through presentations, a short film, hands-on activities, various information tables, and more.
Portions of the day’s events (marked with * below) will be livestreamed, watch at AmericanIndian.si.edu/livestream .
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Level 1, Potomac Atrium
10:30-11 AM | Posting of the Colors, Welcome* Members of the Native American Women Warriors (NAWW) will present the colors to begin the day's programming. Ralph and Dennis Zotigh (both Kiowa/Isanti Dakota/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) will share an Honor Song for Native veterans along with an opening prayer, and welcome remarks from museum leadership.
11 AM-12 PM | WWII Indigenous Code Talkers: The Contributions of Pueblo Indian Language Speakers* Dr. Christine Sims (Acoma Pueblo), Associate Professor in the Department of Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies in the College of Education & Human Sciences at the University of New Mexico (UNM) will share the stories of Pueblo men who served as Code Talkers in World War II.
1-2 PM | War, Identity, & Design: Lloyd 'Kiva' New's WWII Story* Ryan S. Flahive , archivist at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), will discuss the life and legacy of Native fashion designer, co-founder of IAIA, and veteran Lloyd "Kiva" New (Cherokee. 1916-2002).
Level 1, Rasmuson Theater
12 PM and 2 PM | FILM: Why We Serve Watch a short film that accompanies the exhibition Why We Serve, which shares the personal stories of Indigenous veterans, how their diverse experiences led them to serving in the U.S. military, and the impact that it has had on their lives and identities. Runtime: 27 min.
Level 3
10:30 AM-5 PM | Hands On: Star Quilt | imagiNATIONS Activity Center Make a paper star quilt pattern inspired by a Native tradition that honors generosity, achievement, and service. Learn about the cultural significance of star quilts while designing your own unique pattern.
12:30-12:55 PM | Teaching Cart | Making a Statement Join a museum educator to learn more about a historical Lakota beaded dress decorated with elaborate patriotic American imagery and a jingle dress made by members of the Native American Women Warriors to show pride in their Indigenous heritage and to emphasize the role of Native women in the military. Get hands-on to learn more about beadwork, jingle cones, and other design elements related to Native dressmaking in the museum’s Teaching Collection.
Outdoors, Welcome Plaza
3-5 PM | Flame Lighting of the National Native American Veterans Memorial Join museum director Dr. Cynthia Chavez Lamar (San Felipe Pueblo/Hopi/Tewa/Navajo) and our honored guests as we light the memorial flame in recognition of the service of Native veterans. Ralph and Dennis Zotigh will perform an honor song. Sabrina Slonim (Ya
Location
American Indian Museum DC; www.americanindian.si.edu…, Washington, DC
Listed by Smithsonian. Details can change — check the official page before you go.