Natives have highest rate of enlistment in armed forces out of all demographic groups

As people across the U.S. observe Veterans Day through parades, tributes and discounts, Native people are especially thankful to their vets, who have historically served at higher rates than any other racial or ethnic group in the country.

Nearly 19% of Native Americans have served in the military, compared to about 14% of all other demographics. Native service dates back to the Revolutionary War and continues to this day. Notable contributions include serving as scouts, or providing their language for coding troop movements. The most famous example: the Navajo Codetalkers, who relayed messages to each other during Pacific operations in World War II. The Japanese were never able to decipher their messages. Other tribes that have provided code during World War I and II are the Choctaw, Cherokee and Comanche.

Native people served even when they weren’t officially recognized as U.S. citizens and lacked the right to vote. Today they’re regularly honored in tribal communities, including leading the grand entry at powwows, bearing the American flag, eagle staff and sometimes the MIA flag.