Akwesasne’s Veterans Have Served In Both Canadian And U.S. Military Services
Akwesasne’s veterans have served in both Canadian and U.S. military services. Akwesasne has at least one parade every year, sometimes on the Memorial Day weekend, sometimes around Canada Day/Fourth of July. On the US side, our men and women have served in every war since the American Civil War. Currently, Akwesasne men and women are in Iraq, Iran, Afganistan, Korea and are represented in all military services, in stations all around the world.
The community of Akwesasne is proud to honour its veterans, and current members of the armed forces, yearround – Akwesasne holds its Annual Memorial Day Parade to celebrate the brave and loyal servicemen and women. As well, the annual Akwesasne Christmas Enchantment fundraising festival entered a beautiful Christmas pine tree which featured photographs of more than 300 Akwesasne veterans who served in US and Canadian services. The earliest Akwesasne Veteran featured on the tree was Mitchell Friday of Akwesasne who served in the American Civil War.
The Mohawk people have a very long military history. Our own history recounts the endeavors and bravery of our fighting men since before contact with Europeans. Early European accounts of our military men note their courage, prowess, loyalty and agility in battle.
Back in Colonial times, British alliances with the Haudenosaunee were strong, due in part to the pre-existing Dutch/ Haudenosaunee alliances. In fact, the Dutch treatied with the Haudenosaunee in the early 1600’s, which resulted in the Kaswentha or Two Row Wampum – the oldest existing treaty with European nations in North America .
During the American Revolutionary War, Haudenosaunee men fought for both the American and British sides of the conflict. The War of 1812 again brought Haudenosaunee to battle. Some historic accounts suggest that Mohawks saved Canada from annexation by the United States by repelling an American advance near Champlain, NY.
Haudenosaunee men, including the Mohawks of Akwesasne fought together against the South in the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865.
The military tradition of service among the Mohawks of Akwesasne continued into the 20th century,in both the Canadian and U.S. Armed Forces. Mohawk men fought in wars and conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan . There have also been large numbers of Akwesasne Mohawks who have enlisted in the military during peace time. Needless to say there has been a constant presence of Akwesasne Mohawks in the military at any given time.
Akwesasne men and women currently on active duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan in all branches of the military. Akwesasne acknowledges and honors those serving, as well as those who have completed their duties, all around the world.
