TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) — The Cherokee Nation is honoring its veterans with new displays at the tribe's veterans center.
Newly installed displays at the Tahlequah-based Cherokee Nation Veterans Center feature tributes to Lt. Jack C. Montgomery and Adm. Joseph J. Clark. They are two of the most highly decorated Cherokee citizens to have ever served in the U.S. military.
The tribe estimates there are more than 4,000 Cherokee veterans, and it says it is honoring those citizens and their service by presenting many of their stories, artifacts and memorabilia to the public.
The $2 million center, which was tribally funded, features 25 pieces of military-themed artwork from American Indian artists and 16 display cases showcasing multiple Cherokee veterans' military regalia.
There are a dozen other cases displaying vintage wartime newspapers and various memorabilia.