WHEREAS, the Native American Warrior has served the state of Oklahoma with honor, courage, and distinction and made the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, the Native American Warrior has a long history of military service that dates back to the Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, during the twentieth century, more than Twelve Thousand (12,000) warriors served in World War I and Ten Thousand (10,000) Native American women joined the Red Cross, and over Forty-four Thousand (44,000) warriors and Eight Hundred (800) women served in World War II; and

WHEREAS, since 9/11, Native Americans have served at a higher per capita rate than any other ethnic group; and

WHEREAS, the Force 50 Foundation is leading an effort to honor and celebrate the Native American Warrior in 2024 with a special weekend event culminating in a permanent monument on the State Capitol Veterans' Memorial Grounds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 59TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Legislature supports recognizing the contributions of the Native American warrior.

THAT the Legislature supports the efforts to establish a monument on State Capitol grounds honoring the service and sacrifices of the Native American Warrior.

THAT the Legislature encourages all Oklahomans to participate in and support appropriately the efforts of the Force 50 Foundation to accomplish this worthwhile project and special weekend event.

THAT the Legislature encourages the Governor of Oklahoma and appropriate state agencies to support this meaningful project.

THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to Governor Kevin Stitt, Past Chairman of the Force 50 Foundation, Pete Reed, Chickasaw Nation Governor, Bill Anoatubby, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Governor, Reggie Wassana, and the Leaders of the Thirty-nine (39) Tribal Nations of Oklahoma.