October 14, 2024
Antigua, Guatemala—In recognizing the U.S. federal holiday traditionally known as Columbus Day – and the equally important Indigenous Peoples Day as a day increasingly recognized by the states, the Democrats Abroad Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus Chair and Vice Chair, Michael Ramos and Kee Evans, respectively, provided the following statement:
“Whether you recognize and celebrate Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day – or both, as I do – I sincerely wish for all Americans to take a moment to relax and reflect on America’s past and often violent history. Historically, the American people did not always treat their neighbors with kindness and respect, and October 14 is a day we can all learn from regarding our nation’s past mistakes and racial injustice – this includes the military and veteran community. After nearly 250 years after our nation’s founding, Indigenous Americans are still not treated as equal citizens, sadly. The VA’s health care services are severely limited in tribal communities, treaties in effect have often not been honored by the federal government, and so much more. So before the holiday football games and backyard BBQs start, I encourage all VMF members to carve some time out of your day and learn something new about America’s history with the incredible and beautiful Indigenous community,” Ramos said.
Evans also provided her thoughts: “Indigenous Peoples who have populated the Western Hemisphere for tens of thousands of years were not conquered by strength or gunpowder but by diseases brought to the Americas by Europeans – Smallpox, Measles, Syphilis, and Chickenpox, to name a few. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is federally recognized, beginning in 2022, when the Biden administration declared the second Monday in October a ‘day in honor of our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who contribute to shaping this Nation.’ Many states and cities, like my home state of New Mexico, do not celebrate Columbus Day but have renamed or replaced it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. For our VMF members who have been so helpful in helping with Get-Out-The-Vote efforts, please take the day off and relax—you’ve earned it.”
The VMF Caucus, proudly consisting of veterans, military family members, and strong allies of veterans and military family causes, has a membership of approximately 1,200 members located in dozens of countries.
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