Designed by native Oklahoman and award-winning Cheyenne and Arapaho artist Harvey Pratt, the National Native American Veterans Memorial was commissioned by the U.S. Congress. More than 85 tribes, individuals, corporations, and other organizations contributed to the memorial. It is the only memorial or monument, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., designed by an Oklahoman. Designed by Harvey Pratt of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, the National Native American Veterans Memorial, on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., November 2020. Photo by Alan Karchmer for the National Museum of the American Indian “We wanted to bring Oklahoma talent into it as through the memorial on unveiling day, and they much as possible.” So, Pratt made the bronze work included Native Americans and Hawaiians. “Due at the Crucible Art Foundry in Norman. Swanda to COVID-19, there was no ceremony. Nothing Brothers in Oklahoma City made the stainless steel was arranged. But Indian people just showed up 12’ circle of honor and lances. Of Oklahoma City’s and did things. It’s the only memorial in D.C. that Butzer Architects and Urbanism, known for their has a sound system. There are four speakers, and designs for the Oklahoma City National Memorial it plays different tribal songs and veteran songs, and Skydance Bridge, Pratt says, “They were so very softly, 24/7. It was very quiet that day. It was instrumental in the whole design and drawings.” peaceful. The memorial is so much more than we The memorial was funded through private expected. People commented about how serene donations. Initially more than 30,000 people were and comforting the memorial is. There was a light expected to attend the unveiling and dedication. rain, and it caused the granite to light up. People But COVID-19 put the skids on that plan. Pratt tied prayer cloths, or whatever was significant to says there were 500 to 600 visitors who walked individuals or to their tribes, onto the lances.” 15 35