National Native American Veterans Memorial

, This memorial recognizes American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian men and women who have served in every branch of the United States Armed Forces, from the Revolutionary War to the present day, and the support and sacrifices of their families., The memorial's symbols represent concepts important to many Native cultures: the cardinal directions; the elements of water, fire, earth, and air; and the circle. The fountain at the center evokes a drum. On it rests an upright ring, an opening to the sky and the spiritual world. Four lances provide places where visitors can tie prayer cloths., Commissioned by the United States Congress, the memorial was designed by Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes), a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and Butzer Architects and Urbanism. It was built through generous support of individuals, corporations and foundations, and Native nations., All offerings will be viewed as temporary and removed from the site in an appropriate and respectful manner., [Spanish translation:] ,