"Native Americans have a rich history of military service and have fought to protect our Nation, even as tribes were battling for their own freedoms and rights. Indeed, Native Americans fought as soldiers in the Civil War, World War I and other conflicts years before they were even granted U.S. citizenship in 1924.

As a community, the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians believe in and practice a tradition of service, sacrifice, leadership, and bravery. Our tribe’s leader Santos Manuel courageously led his fellow tribal members away from their mountain lands to settle in another portion of their aboriginal territories near present-day Highland in order to escape persecution and death in the 19th century.

Riverside and San Bernardino counties are home to approximately 2,000 Native American veterans, and we are extremely proud of their service and the legacy they are building for future generations. In their honor, San Manuel is proud to participate in constructing a monument at the Riverside National Cemetery honoring the contributions of all Native American veterans and servicemen and women."

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San Manuel Band Chairman James Ramos: Native Americans have rich history of military service (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 11/4)