There are still a few days left to see a display at the William E. Durr Branch of the Kenton County Public Library honoring Native Americans who serve or have served in the military.
National Museum of the American Indian Presents Patriot Nations: Native Americans in Our Nation’s Armed Forces, part of a series of traveling exhibits on the subject.
Native Americans have served in every major U.S. military encounter from the Revolutionary War to today’s conflicts in the Middle East in higher numbers per capita than any other ethnic group. Patriot Nations: Native Americans in Our Nation’s Armed Forces reveals the remarkable history of Native American veterans through art, photography and essay. The 16-panel exhibition documents 250 years of Native peoples’ contributions in U.S. military history and remains on view through the end of May.
The William E. Durr Branch library is located at 1992 Walton-Nicholson Road in Independence.
[Woodrow Wilson Keeble (Eastern Sioux, 1917-1982) was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. For his actions in combat, he received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, 2 Purple Hearts, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. In 2007, his Distinguished Service Cross was posthumously upgraded to the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Korean War.]”Tens of thousands of Native Americans joined the U.S. armed forces during World Wars I and II,” said Herman J. Voila, curator emeritus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and curator of “Patriot Nations.” “Forty-four thousand Native Americans served in World War II; the entire population of Native Americans was less than 350,000 at the time. They are Purple Heart recipients and Bronze Star medal honorees. Many have been recognized with the Congressional Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military award.
Additionally, the William E. Durr Branch library is also featuring military memorabilia display of uniforms. Visitors can see a range of items including medals, such as a Purple Heart belonging to Warren John Richardson, Coxswain, US Navy. Mr. Richardson was born in Covington and lived in both Latonia and Ludlow. Mr. Richardson served on the USS Arizona and was killed during the December 7th, 1941 Pearl Harbor attack. A special framed photo of Mr. Richardson can be seen on display at the library.
Other items on display are those relating to Karl DeBord. Mr. DeBord was born in Olive Hill, KY and lived in various residences throughout Kentucky and Ohio prior to joining the military. Mr. Debord was killed in 1945 at Iwo Jima. On display, are photos and information on Mr. Debord as well as the original telegram notification of his death, original letters/certificates, and his medals including a Purple Heart
Additional items on display include photos, maps, uniforms, brochures, and other military paraphernalia. This display is on loan through the generosity of Mr. Robert Snow. Mr. Snow is a Naval veteran, recognized military historian, and unit historian for the Sons of the American Legion.
On Monday, May 27 Library staff led a cemetery tour at the Independence Cemetery, located at 5358 Madison Pike.
Library staff are asking those with military service to consider participating in the Veterans Oral History Interviews on Thursday, May 30 from 1-3 PM at the William E. Durr Branch library.
“It’s important that these stories are captured before they are gone,” stated Cierra Earl, local history librarian. Those interested will be required to fill out and return a pre-interview questionnaire and release form. The interviews will be video recorded. Veterans are encouraged to bring medals, photographs, newspaper clippings, and other items related to their service. Participants must call (859) 962-4070 in advance to schedule a specific appointment time.
Patriot Nations: Native Americans in Our Nation’s Armed Forces was produced by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. The exhibition was made possible by the generous support of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Kenton County Public Library