CalVet will host an open house from 3 to 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, for viewing a replica of a new memorial statue that will honor American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans. The sculpture, titled “the Gift,” was created by renowned sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg.

The open house coincides with the 50th Annual California Native American Day, which will feature a number of celebratory activities on the west steps of the state Capitol between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The public is invited to view the statue at CalVet, following the events at the Capitol.

In 2014, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed legislation to establish Native American Day as an official state holiday to be recognized on the fourth Friday in September. Native American veterans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces at higher rates than any other ethnic group.

Learn more about the statue by clicking here.

Watch a video interview with Sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg.