Nov. 11, 2022 – Quapaw Nation held their annual veteran’s dinner tonight in the pavilion located at Downstream Casino and Resort. The dinner is meant to pay respect to all the Quapaw Nation veterans that have made sacrifices in the name of freedom.
The night was filled with smiles and reminiscing with old friends and family. Several Business Committee members were in attendance with most offering whatever contributions they could to assist.
Quapaw Nation Vice-Chair Bowden gave a wonderful speech, highlighting the impact of Native Americans in the armed forces. According to the USO, “Native American’s serve in the United States’ Armed Forces at five times the national average.”
Newly elected member Mike Shawnee and friends sang the honor song and member Larry Mercer offered a prayer. Also in attendance was the Quapaw Nation Jr. Princess, Mia Forbis.
The Quapaw communications team put together two videos for the night and helped to secure entertainment, which they found in the JoMo Jazz band, which will also be playing at the Elder’s Christmas party in a few short weeks.
The Quapaw Nation Veteran dinner is more than delicious food (which looked amazing) and great entertainment; it is an event to place honor where honor is due in those that have dedicated at least a portion of their lives to securing our future.
On July 25, 2009, a monument that stands outside of the Quapaw Tribal Museum was dedicated to commemorate the lives of all Quapaw veterans. Currently, ten sections of the memorial have been inscribed.
