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Honoring Our Veterans: Recognizing their Sacrifice & Enduring Legacy

  • Writer: Lydia Locklear Canty
    Lydia Locklear Canty
  • Nov 11
  • 3 min read

Today we honor all veterans for their valiant service to the United States. We also acknowledge the service and contributions Native American veterans have made to this Country. According to the Library of Congress, Native American veterans serve the U.S. military at a higher per-capita rate than any other ethnic group in the Country.


For nearly 250 years, Native Americans have continuously shown remarkable dedication and courage in serving in the U.S. armed forces. Despite the problematic history between tribes and the U.S. Government, and the longstanding adversity Indigenous peoples have faced, Native American veterans have played an integral role in defending freedom and ensuring liberty and justice for all, including their own tribal communities. Their contributions have shaped the legacy of military service in America and their stories are forever woven into the fabric of our Country's history.


We honor our veterans and their sacrifices through sharing their stories and celebrating their legacies. Other ways we can honor our veterans and show our appreciation is by participating in veteran-focused events, supporting veteran-owned businesses, and volunteering with organizations that assist veterans. For attorneys, there are numerous pro bono services you can offer veterans and their families throughout the year that are available through your respective state bars.


Recognizing our veterans is not only about honoring the past but about valuing their ongoing contributions to our Nation’s defense and to their communities. Let us remember and celebrate our veterans every day. I honor my loved ones who served our Country so bravely by sharing their stories.

My maternal Grandpa Gene Paulk, who served in the U.S. Army for 22 years and fought during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic service. He married my Grandma Nell Locklear (Lumbee) and served our Tribal community throughout his lifetime.
My maternal Grandpa Gene Paulk, who served in the U.S. Army for 22 years and fought during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic service. He married my Grandma Nell Locklear (Lumbee) and served our Tribal community throughout his lifetime.
My paternal Grandpa Curt Locklear (Lumbee), who served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Grandpa landed in Normandy less than a week after D-Day and had the extremely dangerous job of dismantling bombs (bomb disposal). Despite serving his Country, Grandpa was refused a haircut at the barbershop when he returned home from WWII because he was Indian. Grandpa continued to fight for his Tribal community throughout his lifetime and was among the Lumbee Indians who fought and routed the Ku Klux Klan in Maxton, NC in 1958. Grandpa, along with my Grandma Cat and Uncle Monroe Lowry founded "Curt's" True Value Hardware in Pembroke, NC, which has continued to serve our community for more than 50 years.
My paternal Grandpa Curt Locklear (Lumbee), who served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Grandpa landed in Normandy less than a week after D-Day and had the extremely dangerous job of dismantling bombs (bomb disposal). Despite serving his Country, Grandpa was refused a haircut at the barbershop when he returned home from WWII because he was Indian. Grandpa continued to fight for his Tribal community throughout his lifetime and was among the Lumbee Indians who fought and routed the Ku Klux Klan in Maxton, NC in 1958. Grandpa, along with my Grandma Cat and Uncle Monroe Lowry founded "Curt's" True Value Hardware in Pembroke, NC, which has continued to serve our community for more than 50 years.
My Mama Janice Locklear (Lumbee) who served in the U.S. Air Force for four years and obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. She continues to serve our community in many ways, including through the work of Southeastern Veterinary Hospital, founded by Mama and my Daddy Curt Locklear Jr. Robin Jones (seated on the left) is a longtime Air Force friend of our family. Robin served in the Air Force for 17 years and obtained the rank of Technical Sergeant.
My Mama Janice Locklear (Lumbee) who served in the U.S. Air Force for four years and obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. She continues to serve our community in many ways, including through the work of Southeastern Veterinary Hospital, founded by Mama and my Daddy Curt Locklear Jr. Robin Jones (seated on the left) is a longtime Air Force friend of our family. Robin served in the Air Force for 17 years and obtained the rank of Technical Sergeant.
My Husband Billy Locklear Canty's paternal Grandpa Alvin Huey Canty (Catawba) served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 20 years. Service to his country and his Tribe were incredibly important to him. Grandpa Huey served his Tribal community throughout his lifetime. Upon his retirement as a truck driver, he worked for his Tribe by transporting Catawba children and elders for Tribal programs and delivered meals to Catawba elders through the Meals on Wheels Program.
My Husband Billy Locklear Canty's paternal Grandpa Alvin Huey Canty (Catawba) served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 20 years. Service to his country and his Tribe were incredibly important to him. Grandpa Huey served his Tribal community throughout his lifetime. Upon his retirement as a truck driver, he worked for his Tribe by transporting Catawba children and elders for Tribal programs and delivered meals to Catawba elders through the Meals on Wheels Program.
My Husband Billy Locklear Canty's maternal Grandpa Randolph Emory Thomas (Catawba), who served in the U.S. Army and obtained the rank of Private First Class. Grandpa Thomas and his wife Jean Thomas were lifelong friends with Catawba Chief Gilbert Blue and his wife Libby Blue. Grandpa Thomas was passionate about his Country and his Tribe.
My Husband Billy Locklear Canty's maternal Grandpa Randolph Emory Thomas (Catawba), who served in the U.S. Army and obtained the rank of Private First Class. Grandpa Thomas and his wife Jean Thomas were lifelong friends with Catawba Chief Gilbert Blue and his wife Libby Blue. Grandpa Thomas was passionate about his Country and his Tribe.


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