Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces - Smithsonian Special Exhibit

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 video content, visitors will discover the little-known but outsized contributions Native Americans have made to the U.S. military throughout our country's history.

Tribal Museums, Cultural Centers, and Libraries may be eligible for a free or reduced-price version of the exhibition through the National Museum of the American Indian. Please inquire with Peri Munter at munterpk@si.edu for further information about this program.