The American military in the 21st century is diverse and reflects the complexities of the country and the current times. “Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces” offers a comprehensive look at Native military involvement and explores Native American military service, from its origins to the modern day. The exhibition will open at Irving Archives and Museum on March 21, 2026 and will remain on view through May 31, 2026.

“Why We Serve,” was organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the National Museum of the American Indian, presents the history of Native veterans who have served in the armed forces of the United States—often in extraordinary numbers—since the American Revolution.

Visitors will be able to learn about the different eras in Native military history, including Army scouts of the 19th century, the Native code talkers of both World Wars, Native women during World War II and service in Vietnam and the Middle East. The exhibition documents 250 years of Native peoples’ contributions in U.S. military history.

”Why We Serve” also includes a short film featuring resonant stories from Native American veterans from across the United States Armed Forces with diverse viewpoints and personal testimony about their service. Audiences will view the stories of Native peoples who have joined the armed forces, and the impact that it has had on their lives and identities.

Native people have served for the same reasons as anyone else: to demonstrate patriotism or pursue employment, education or adventure. Many were drafted. Yet tribal warrior traditions, treaty commitments with the United States and responsibility for defending Native homelands have also inspired the enduring legacy of Indigenous military service.

“Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces” honors the generations of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian members of the United States Armed Forces. It also commemorates the National Native American Veterans Memorial at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. The Memorial was dedicated November 11, 2020, to recognize for the first time on a national scale the enduring and distinguished service of Native Americans in every branch of the U.S. military.

About SITES | Smithsonian Affiliations

SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 70 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science, and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit sites.si.edu.