A partnership to serve Homeless Veterans

Project Director, Jeremy Boucher, explains the house plans to President Russell Begaye

By Bill McCarthy

“It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.”

~ Abe Lincoln, Gettysburg 1863

This time of year, when summer is in full bloom, we celebrate Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July, and an important event in the life of our history, the Battle Anniversary of Gettysburg, July 1st through the 3rd.

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered one of the greatest speeches in history when dedicating a final resting place for those fallen on that hallowed ground in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Although, as Lincoln correctly points out, we can’t possibly “in our poor power to add or detract” consecrate any further the struggles and sacrifices made by those not just at Gettysburg, but in a real sense, universally speaking for all persons of service, in all places and in all times. We still attempt, however, to express thanks and honor those who have sacrificed for our benefit. What better time of year than now to do so?

Many subjects and issues can be complex and complicated with no easy resolution. On the other hand, certain things can also be supremely simple. One such item I think most good-willed persons would readily agree upon: we should honor and thank those who have defended our freedoms. No matter our class, backgrounds, upbringing, social or economic circumstances, we have an innate desire and longing to be free. For those who live in extremely poor conditions, such as the reservation communities of the desert Southwest, freedom from poverty is a constant struggle.

It is a little-known fact that many Natives fought valiantly on both sides in the Civil War. It is also true that the Native Tribes and communities have a long, esteemed, and stellar record of service to this country. For many generations, young Native men and women have made the ultimate commitment and braved the dangers and uncertainties of military life. Upon returning, they have a deep and abiding pride and dignity. I have seen it so many times. I have seen it in their eyes. I have seen it written on their faces. It is the mark of a job well done, and the steely but humble confidence that their service was worthwhile, their service was for something good. It is the mark of a Veteran. But for most of the Native Veterans returning, they return to living conditions well below poverty level standards. Huts with dirt floors, no running water, no electricity...you have heard it before. For some of our Veterans, they have no home at all.

It is with great joy and gratitude that we at the Southwest Indian Foundation announce the establishment of a needed and exciting project. We have entered a partnership with the Navajo

With three Navajo Veterans representing, President of the Navajo Nation, Russell Begaye, and Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Indian Foundation, Bill McCarthy, sign the agreement.

Nation to build 10 homes for homeless Veterans, to be placed on the Navajo Reservation. The formal signing took place on Thursday, June 13th, with the President of the Navajo Nation. This housing project embodies an expression of gratitude to our Veteran community, and a recognition of their sacrifice and dedication, so we can live in a free society.

“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this Nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” ~ Abe Lincoln

May we all be blessed with Lincoln’s vision.

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