The Original Patriots

Inspired by family trips to veterans’ reunions and his own grandfather’s whispered recollections, author Chag Lowry presents the oral histories of 58 Native American men and women who served in World War II. Lowry offers background information on reservations, rancherias, and boarding schools in addition to interviews from members of 12 tribes of Northern California. Separated into four sections—the European Theatre, Pacific Theatre, Home Front, and Arsenal for Democracy—The Original Patriots provides special insight into these heros' lives and contributions through the transcribed interviews of the individual California Native veterans. Over 44,000 Native Americans served in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII, and Lowry’s dedication to honor northern California veterans is a work of honor. This book, and many like it, will certainly be in demand in anticipation of the long-awaited National Native American Veteran Memorial on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian.