Weekly Edition | February 23, 2012 | By: NP Editor-

A Nation that is rich in culture and American Patriotism-The Navajo Nation.

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly speaking at the Burnham Chapter Friday.

Burnham, NM – When America calls, Native Americans are warriors at heart and stand ready to defend the United of America, because America is much more then a country-it’s the homeland to the Navajo’s, it means defending her at all cost.

The Navajo President encouraged his people at the dedication of the Tiis Tsoh Sikaad Veterans’ Memorial Complex on Friday.

“Be proud to be American and be proud to be Diné,” President Shelly said in his keynote address.

The dedication of the 2,500 square-foot veterans center began 14 years ago with a plan of a memorial in form of a statue. The idea evolved into the veterans’ center designed by the Tiis Tsoh Sikaad Veterans Organization.  President Shelly said the veteran’s center started when “somebody had a vision and it became a reality.”

Veterans Organization officials said more than 50 veterans live in the Tiis Tsoh Sikaad Chapter area. The mission of the organization is to teach “children to understand the cost of freedom, honor, duty, courage and their calling in life as human beings.”

“This building is for the veterans of the area to come together and the fire place here in the middle will bring people together for ceremony.” President Shelly stated.

Tiis Tsoh Sikaad Veterans Memorial Complex sits next to Burnham Chapter House in New Mexico.