Column | Prayer for a veterans center
Submitted | Harlan Thompson
Lukachukai Veterans Committee members gather April 22 during a prayer walk for a proposed veterans center in Lukachukai, Ariz. Pictured clockwise from top are Herb A. Harvey, U.S. Marine Corps; Tony Lee, U.S. Marine Corps; Roger Notah, U.S. Army; Anthony Thompson, U.S. Army; Anslem Joe, former livestock grazing official; and Matthew Bekis, U.S. Army.
Editor’s note: Herbert A. Harvey, a U.S. Marine veteran, submitted this piece on behalf of the Lukachukai Veterans Committee in District 11. The committee submitted it under the title “Prayer Session Poem.”
Summary
This document reflects on the dedication and unity of Lukachukai, Arizona, veterans as they commit to building a healing veterans center. Drawing on themes of camaraderie, spiritual renewal and hope for prosperity and peace, it describes a significant event on April 22, 2026, where participants made offerings and prayers near a symbolic mountain and sacred tree, seeking forgiveness and blessings for their community’s future.
NihiDiyin, nihi hooghan nihxá ádíílííł.
Offering our efforts as we did with our families when we enlisted.
Now, we once again with impetus, pledge to carry on a promise
To use camaraderie, esprit de corps and a connected spirit
Of being creative in our own Land of White Reeds to build
A veterans center that will heal us all toward medical merit.
Today, on April 22, 2026, we made the spiritual walk at our will.
Near the mountain with white reeds and a special tree to make
Our sacred Diné offerings once again in hopes of prosperity.
In hopes of peace, we also asked our Creator to forgive us.
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