The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is honoring its veterans with a special ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 on the tribe’s capitol grounds, Tvshka Homma.

Chief Gary Batton, Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr. and the Tribal Council welcome all Choctaw veterans and their families to the annual event.

“Every day is a day to honor our veterans,” said Chief Batton. “They have our everlasting gratitude. Veterans Day gives us a chance to say ‘yakoke’ – thank you.”

Choctaw Nation staff will arrive early to prepare for the event to be held at the War Memorial. Black granite monuments stand for World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and the War on Terrorism. There are 138 names etched on the walls of Choctaw warriors who have lost their lives in action.

There is also a monument recognizing the Choctaw Code Talkers of World War I and World War II. The original Code Talkers were a group of Choctaw men who chose to fight for their land and their people before being accepted as “citizens” of the United States. They were a deciding factor leading to the end of World War I.

Many of the veterans travel hundreds of miles to visit with old friends. Sons and daughters lay their hands on a monument to touch a beloved name. All gather in respect for those who pay the price for our freedom.

The program will include a free gift to each Choctaw veteran and presentations by the Choctaw Nation Royalty, Color Guard, Chief Batton, Lt. General Leroy Sisco and the Talihina High School Band.

The capitol grounds are located off Hwy. 271, north of Tuskahoma, Okla.