WASHINGTON − The southern Cheyenne tribe of Oklahoma prioritizes honoring veterans and raising the American flag during their ceremonies and dances. A medicine man conducts a purification ritual to help returning soldiers transition back into civilian life, and tribe members are careful not to step on veterans’ shadows. These cultural traditions inspired Harvey Pratt, a chief of the tribe, in designing the Native American Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The memorial is meant to offer a blessing to any veteran who visits, emphasizing its significance for the past, present, and future.
Recently, there was a controversy when the Defense Department removed and then hastily reinstated web pages showcasing veterans and military achievements, including stories of Jackie Robinson and the Navajo Code Talkers. This happened as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aimed to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the military. The removal of valuable historical information, like the exploits of Army Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers and Marine Ira Hamilton Hayes at Iwo Jima, sparked concerns and criticism.
Despite the backlash, the missing web pages were eventually restored following public outcry. The Defense Department’s actions were attributed to a directive to remove DEI-related content from all platforms by a certain deadline. The incident has raised questions about the treatment of Black veterans and other marginalized groups within the military. Pentagon officials have since acknowledged the importance of these stories and the need to preserve them for future generations.
The Washington Post reported on Thursday that Ullyot was reassigned due to the release of a statement blaming artificial intelligence for errors. Parnell attributed the removal of content to a mistake in a video statement released that day, explaining that the Pentagon imposed a strict timeline for reviewing a large volume of content. He acknowledged that occasional errors occurred as a result of using AI tools and other software.
Bibby expressed deep concern over the removal of information affecting Black veterans and servicemembers, particularly in light of efforts to rename military bases linked to Confederate figures. Hegseth, an outspoken critic of diversity, circumvented the renaming process by choosing names of veterans with similar last names to the original Confederate generals, a move that raised concerns about historical implications.
The removal of content also affected the recognition of historical figures like Jackie Robinson and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a highly decorated unit composed of Japanese-Americans during World War II. The unit played a crucial role in liberating prisoners from the Dachau concentration camp and received numerous awards for their bravery and service.
The decision to take down web pages related to diversity sparked outrage in the community, prompting the Pentagon to restore the content as a gesture of reconciliation. The incidents highlighted the importance of acknowledging diverse contributions to American history and the need to preserve such stories for future generations.
