Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces Exhibit
“Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces” is on exhibit at The Highground Welcome Center April 10-July 6, 2026
Native American Veterans and Tribes are invited to share their stories, history and memorabilia with this exhibition.
“Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces” was produced by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI).
The exhibit tells personal stories of Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Native veterans who have served in the U.S. armed forces and brings long overdue recognition to those who have served their country selflessly and with honor for more than 250 years.
Visitors will learn about the origins of Native American military service, how Indigenous languages were used to win battles, the service of Native women during World War II, and the heroics of Native Americans from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War and through the conflicts in the Middle East.
Why We Serve honors the Native Americans who have served in the U.S. military, often in extraordinary numbers, since the American Revolution. The exhibition asks, “Why would Indians serve a country that overran their homelands, suppressed their cultures, and confined them to reservations?” What is revealed is that Native people have served for many of the same reasons as others: to demonstrate patriotism, pursue employment, education, or adventure. Yet tribal warrior traditions, treaty commitments, and responsibility for defending Native homelands have also inspired military service.
Why We Serve is a comprehensive look at Native military involvement and explores Native American military service from its origins to the modern day. Through compelling, free-standing displays and extra content, visitors will discover the little-known but outsized contributions Native Americans have made to the U.S. military throughout our country’s history. We are inviting Native American Veterans and Tribal Leaders to share veteran stories, tribal history and memorabilia within this exhibit while it is at The Highground. For more information, please contact Theresa at The Highground at museum@thehighground.org 715-743-4224.
The Highground is grateful to our exhibit sponsor, Potawatomi Casino Hotel located in Milwaukee and Carter, Wisconsin.
For more information about this exhibit, email museum@thehighground.org or call 715-743-4224.
The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd. Neillsville, WI 54456
