Oneida Indian Nation Hosts Largest Ever Veterans Recognition Ceremony

For the past 25 years, the Oneida Indian Nation has proudly hosted a gathering of local men and women who have served - or continue to serve - in the U.S. Military to commemorate our shared principles of respect, honor and reverence for those who serve and dedicate themselves to the preservation of freedom.

This annual event honors the bond that has existed between the Oneida people and our American allies since before the days of the Revolutionary War, and in 2026, it carried special significance with the country’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This year’s event was our largest yet—with more than 450 veterans, friends, family members, elected officials, Oneida Indian Nation Members and other community members celebrating the value of selfless service to the United States and a commitment to the freedom of the people who call it home.

“It is an honor to come together with such a diverse group of individuals today to recognize your service and be reminded that no division between us can overcome all that we share," said Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter. "These are the values on which the United States was founded 250 years ago and that brought together American colonists and our Oneida ancestors on some of the bloodiest battlefields of the Revolutionary War."

Choosing to stand alongside the colonists was not an easy decision for our Oneida ancestors. It meant breaking from their Haudenosaunee brothers and sisters in support of people who did not share their way of life. It resulted in devastating loss of life, as much as one-third of the existing Oneida population. Yet they were driven to step into the conflict due to a belief in the right of all people to sovereignty and self-determination.

These differences are small when compared to our shared commitment to honoring those who played pivotal roles in founding the United States – the colonists and Oneidas who together became America’s first veterans. Their dedication to American freedom began a 250-year relationship that, while not without challenges, evolved into a true partnership between nations.

The keynote speaker for the 2026 event was Colonel Robert M. Shaw, the 10th Mountain Division’s Deputy Commanding Officer for Operations at Fort Drum. 

“At Fort Drum, the home of the 10th Mountain Division, we speak often about the privilege of service, dedication to duty and commitment to country," said Colonel Shaw. These values are not unique to the military. They are values deeply rooted in the Oneida Indian Nation as well. That shared commitment creates a special bond between our military community and this Nation.”

During the event, Oneida Indian Nation Representative Halbritter presented representatives from the Feed Our Vets, Utica Pantry, with a donation of $1,000 to support their efforts for local veterans in need.

Halbritter also presented representatives from Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome, NY, with a friendship feather and commemorative Polly Cooper coin, symbolizing the partnership between the Nation and the National Park Service, and the Fort’s continuing focus on sharing the oft untold story of the Oneida role in the founding of the United States.

The Nation’s commitment to veterans extends year-round through employment opportunities through Turning Stone Enterprises and Oneida Innovations Group, the Nation's government contracting enterprise, support for local charities serving military veterans, and partnerships with programs like PGA Hope and Project Healing Waters to promote the social and emotional well-being of veterans through outdoor recreation.