Arlington, TX – Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with over 240,000 tribal members and 13,000-plus associates, is partnering with the National Medal of Honor Museum on a Fall Programming Series that will bring to life the values of courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, citizenship, and patriotism embodied by the Medal of Honor. Through meaningful programs and experiences, guests will celebrate the service and stories of our nation's Medal of Honor Recipients.
Choctaw Nation will serve as presenting sponsor of the series, which kicks off on October 29 with an inspiring evening featuring American actor and director Gary Sinise in a conversation about his new book, Graceful Warrior: The True Story of a Son, a Father, and a Family Who Carried Each Other Through. The series continues with activities for all ages on Veterans Day and Fall Family Day (November 21). Additional programs will be announced soon.
“The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has a long, proud history of military service, and we are thrilled to join together to put on events that will honor veterans and allow visitors to reflect on Medal of Honor values,” said Troy Bertram, CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation. “We are deeply grateful for their generosity. As a nonprofit, partnerships like this one are vital to our broader mission to inspire America.”
“We are proud to partner with the National Medal of Honor Museum to share the stories of our military heroes,” said Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. “Veterans and those who serve our nation are held in the highest regard. Their courage makes us stronger, and their service makes us free.”
Among Choctaw Nation’s members is U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Tony K. Burris, the only member of the Choctaw Nation to receive the Medal of Honor. Sfc. Burris led the charge during the Battle of Heartbreak Ride during the Korean War, exposing himself to enemy fire and destroying an enemy machine gun before being mortally wounded. His bravery inspired his comrades to overrun the enemy position and seize a strategic position. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1952.
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About the National Medal of Honor Museum
The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. Located in America’s heartland in Arlington, Texas, the Museum – which was voted as the Best New Museum in America and one of the world’s most beautiful museums – provides an unrivaled visitor experience featuring 31,000 square feet of immersive exhibits, powerful multimedia experiences, and never-before-seen artifacts, chronicling the lives and legacies of those who have received our country's highest award for valor in combat. A visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets, visit mohmuseum.org.
About The Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 240,000 tribal members and over 13,000 associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 13,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity.