Ground Broken for Chickasaw Honor Guard Building

ADA, Oklahoma -- Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby led Oct. 15 groundbreaking ceremonies for a new base of operations for the Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard.

Established in 1993 by a group of Chickasaw veterans, the Chickasaw Honor Guard conducts military honors at funeral and memorial services and assists with many tribal and community functions, such as parades. The first official honor guard ceremony was posting the colors at the 1993 Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting and participating in the festival parade, a tradition that still continues.

"Our honored Chickasaw veterans, carry on the Chickasaw warrior tradition," Governor Anoatubby said.

"We are proud of our honor guard and grateful to them, and to all of our veterans, for their service."

The new Chickasaw Honor Guard Building is a way for the Chickasaw Nation to demonstrate appreciation to the group, he said.

"Once completed, the building will provide the Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard with a dedicated area of their own and offer a new level of support for the important work they do."

The 1,848-square-foot Honor Guard building will feature a large meeting room, two offices and a kitchen. The building will also feature a storage area for all Chickasaw Honor Guard equipment, and will provide a place for monthly meetings and fellowship.

The building is designed to complement the near-by Chickasaw Nation Veterans Lodge and will be located at 1909 Warrior Way, on the South Ada campus, near the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center.

For more information about the Chickasaw Honor Guard, please call 580-310-7930.