VFW Honors Native Veterans for Heritage Month

The Veterans of Foreign Wars marked the start of Native American Heritage Month with a statement recognizing Indigenous service members and veterans.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Native American

Photo of a single weathered eagle feather resting on sunlit open prairie grass with a distant horizon, evoking Native American heritage. — The Veterans of Foreign Wars issued an Oct. 31 statement honoring Native American service members and veterans as Native American Heritage Month began, without a presidential proclamation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Veterans of Foreign Wars issued an Oct. 31 statement honoring Native American service members and veterans as Native American Heritage Month begins. The statement comes as President Donald Trump has not issued a proclamation for the observance, which every other president has done.

Why it matters

Congress designated November as Native American Heritage Month in 1990, and the absence of a presidential proclamation marks a departure from long-standing practice. The recognition highlights the historical contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. military.

Native Americans have received every major combat award, including the Medal of Honor. The 1990 congressional designation set November as the annual observance period.

The players

Veterans of Foreign Wars

A nonprofit organization of U.S. military veterans who served in combat zones, known for advocacy on veterans' issues.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who has not issued a proclamation for Native American Heritage Month.

Department of the Interior

The federal cabinet department responsible for managing federal lands and Indigenous affairs, which tied the observance to America250.

The details

The VFW's Oct. 31 statement honored Indigenous service members and veterans, and Native American Heritage Month is observed in November. Federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, have tied the observance to this year's America250 celebrations.

1917-1918: 12,000 Native Americans served in World War I.
1924: Congress recognized many Native Americans as citizens.
1990: Congress designated November as Native American Heritage Month.
Oct. 31, 2026: VFW issued its statement honoring Native veterans.
November 2026: Native American Heritage Month is observed.

Seasonal Patterns

Native American Heritage Month has been observed each November since Congress designated it in 1990, with presidents issuing annual proclamations. This year's omission of a proclamation breaks from that pattern established over more than three decades.

Readers interested in Native veterans can look for local observances tied to Native American Heritage Month in November. The 1990 designation means the observance recurs every year, offering regular opportunities to learn about Indigenous service and history.

The takeaway

Recognition of Native service members reflects a long record of contribution, from the 12,000 who served in World War I to the many who have earned the nation's highest combat honors. Following the observance each November offers a clear way to learn that history.