All Nations Native American Veterans Memorial
The Alamo Scouts are again being honored for their valiant service during World War II by inclusion in the All Nations Native American Veterans Memorial in Jefferson, Oregon. The memorial is the only one in the United States open to Native Americans of all nations of all wars and honors the 34 Nations that produced code talkers back to World War I. Although the Alamo Scouts were not code talkers per se, 19 known Native Americans from 18 Tribes served with the unit, and some served as code talkers with their parent units.
Created on April 18, 2013 by 83-year-old Korean and Vietnam War veteran, Bill Stam of the Lakota Tribe, and his wife Gwin, 79, of the Apache Tribe, the greater memorial houses 25 blue granite stones from Philadelphia, 34 tribal flags, a Native American museum, and a trading post. The Alamo Scouts memorial consists of three vertical three stones inscribed with the names of the Native Americans known to have served with the Alamo Scouts or at their training camp. A separate stone features a brief history of the unit and the name of all operational Alamo Scouts.
“Our latest addition to the Memorial is the Alamo Scouts stone,” said Stam, who built the memorial using his own money. “The first stone is done with some history about the Alamo Scouts. Two stones are complete, and one is in progress, but we’ll need one more stone to complete the memorial. We have 50 more names to add.”
Last year 700 people from 38 states and 12 counties visited the memorial, and more are expected next year. But the Alamo Scouts memorial has drawn special attention.
Photo courtesy of Bill Stam.
“So many people are interested in the Alamo Scouts,” said Stam. “They can’t believe the stories, and the response has been incredible. It is an honor to acknowledge the service these men gave to our country!”
Stam was so impressed with the record of the Alamo Scouts that he and a photographer drove several hours to Washington, where they met and interviewed Oliver Roesler, a member of LUTZ Team, and the last surviving operational Alamo Scout.
“It was a great honor meeting Mr. Roesler,” added Stam. “He is a special part of the military history of our country and a wonderful man.”
We at the ASHF think so, too! And Bill, you are pretty special yourself. Thank you for your military service and for helping preserve the memory of the Alamo Scouts. Keep up the good work!
“The Alamo Scouts Historical Foundation is committed to helping fund part of the memorial,” said Russ Blaise, Executive Director of the ASHF. “Preserving and advancing the legacy of the Alamo Scouts is what the Foundation is all about. Our goal is to raise $1000 toward the finalization of the memorial.”
To donate to the Alamo Scouts Memorial, contact Russ or Lance, or visit the All Nations facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/allnations.veteransmemorial/
YouTube video of Bill Stam’s interview with Alamo Scout, Oliver Roesler: https://youtu.be/I3oW8SjlMRg Videographer: Dave Hopfer
More about the Alamo Scouts: http://www.alamoscouts.org