Smithsonian Lecture Series: Remembering Native American Veterans
Join us for the final installment of the 2026 Smithsonian Lecture Series.
In recognition of National Native American Heritage Month, the History Center will welcome Rachelle B. Pablo, museum specialist at the Smithsonian, who will explore Native American military service and the stories behind two important tributes to Native veterans.
Drawing on the Why We Serve exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, she will discuss the history, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Pablo, a member of the Navajo Nation and veteran of the U.S. Armed Services, will also discuss the design and intention behind the National Native American Veterans Memorial, exploring how this meaningful space honors Native veterans and recognizes their service to the nation.
Discover the stories and history behind these important tributes to Native American veterans and their enduring legacy.
Admission
Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available upon request. Please contact us at [email protected] in advance to request accommodations.
About the Speaker
Rachelle B. Pablo (Diné) is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and an Army veteran. She is of the Red Running into the Water, born for the Water Flows Together, Cliff Dwelling Honey-Combed Rock Cliff, and the Red Bottom People clans. She is a museum specialist for the National Native American Veterans Memorial at the National Museum of the American Indian-Smithsonian, a board member of IndigenousWays, curator, artist, and a former union Sheetmetal tradeswoman. She was born in Gallup, New Mexico and is based in Silver Spring, Maryland.