Honoring the Oneida Nation: Our Patriots’ First Allies

It is always thrilling to unveil a DAR America 250 historic marker to honor the men and women who achieved American independence. But it was especially so on May 17, when I was privileged to join members of the Oneida Chapter of Utica, NY, in dedicating the newest such marker at the Oriskany Battlefield in upstate New York in cooperation with representatives of the Oneida Nation, America’s first allies.

In 1777, the Oneidas played a key role at Oriskany, Fort Stanwix and Saratoga, battles that were crucial to winning the Revolutionary War. The Oneidas (and some of the Tuscarora) were the only Native Americans to break with the Iroquois Confederacy in order to support the Patriots in this key battleground area of New York State. Read more about their many contributions to the American victory here.

“The red stripes on the American flag are said to represent the blood of those who fought for their right to create a free and independent nation. Oneida blood is represented there, too – from those who fought here at the Battle of Oriskany – from those who acted as scouts and messengers for the regional militias – from those who traveled hundreds of miles through the bitter winter to carry food to Gen. Washington’s troops at Valley Forge – from the Oneidas who fought at Barren Hill – and from those Oneidas who have served bravely in the United State military ever since."

“For more than 200 years, the Oneida people have kept the memory of our ancestors and their sacrifices alive because we believe we cannot go forward if we don’t understand where we have been. We have an obligation, both to our ancestors and to the faces yet unknown, to preserve the lessons history has taught us about perseverance and loyalty.

Oneida Chapter Regent Suzanne Bellinger and her organizing committee did a superb job of creating the partnership, placing the marker, organizing the dedication event and welcoming more than 200 community leaders to the impressive ceremony. I am so proud of this shared accomplishment -- and so deeply grateful for the opportunity to express our gratitude, in particular, to the descendants of Native Americans who aided our fight for independence.

Learn more about our National Society’s “E Pluribus Unum” efforts to raise awareness of the diverse people who helped to win our nation’s liberties by visiting: https://honoringourpatriots.dar.org/e-pluribus-unum-main/.