Veterans Day extends into the weekend as Winnebago honors Native veterans

WINNEBAGO, Neb. – A northeast Nebraska tribal community honored its Native veterans on Saturday in Winnebago.

The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska held a Saturday dinner, followed by a grand entry and powwow.

With cold temperatures gripping northeast Nebraska, the event was held indoors.

Native Americans have served in every major American military conflict since the Revolutionary War. In the 20th century, more than 12,000 Native Americans served in World War I, and 10,000 Native women joined the Red Cross. 

During World War II, over 44,000 Native soldiers served, including nearly 800 women. 

On D-Day in June of 1944, 500 Native Americans and Canadian First Nation citizens participated in the invasion at Normandy, helping to bring the war to a close.