It was noted by Native leaders, by some journalists, by some members of Congress.

But it was not acted on in any systematic or transformative way.

Hayes was one of many Native veterans experiencing this contradiction.

But he was uniquely visible, because of the photograph, which meant that the contradiction in his specific case was uniquely available to be observed — if the country had been willing to look at it directly rather than through the flattering lens of the symbol.

The country was not, in general, willing to do that.