Pratt says he chose concepts that he hoped would be universal to the nearly 600 recognized tribes of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, as well as Native Hawaiians.The inner ring is also a bench, surrounding a pool of water in an intricately carved stone drum.Fourteen-foot steel lances stand at each of the cardinal directions, with rings so visitors can tie-on prayer cloths.She says many Americans don't know that American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in the military at higher rates than any other group, despite a painful history.Their blood is spilt all over this land, and we have spilt Native American blood all over this Earth defending this land and we will continue to defend it," he said."