Forever Warriors
Many have served our country in the military, whether volunteering or having been drafted. When people join the military, all take a sacred oath giving themselves to the service of the country becoming GIs (Government Issue). Not to be cliché, all gave some, but some gave all.
This weekend and Monday, Memorial Day, is a time to honor all our country’s Veterans that have walked on. It is a special time of remembrance that can be difficult if not painful.
While people may have their own tradition in observing this sacred day, I observe it by attending the annual Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) Nation Memorial Day Powwow held at the Andrew Blackhawk Powwow grounds in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.
Starting Friday, May 24 at 7pm with a grand entry of Veterans, followed by several categories of dancers, the celebration will run through Memorial Day.
Being a bona fide Native American, this powwow is the most important of the year to me. My father was a United State Army Veteran and served in the 101st Airborne Special Weapons (Korean War era). He walked on in 2006 when he was 78. So, remembering his service at the powwow is always special. What makes it so special? The climax of this gathering is the Memorial Day flag raising. Around the dance arena, are at the time, what seem to be countless flag poles. People both Native and non-native can register their friend or loved one’s flag at the Andrew Blackhawk American Legion Post 129 building at the powwow, and reserve a flag pole to raise their walked-on Veterans flag. Monday morning at 10 am, songs are rendered and Veterans raise the flags to full mast, and down to half mast where they remain until high noon when they are again raised to full mast. Those Veterans having raised a flag gather in the dance arena and are recognized for their service to the country.
Now, I could go into much greater detail of everything that happens at the powwow, but really, it’s better to just come and experience.
This year, I will again raise my father’s flag and think about him and many happy memories. But this year is bittersweet, I will also be raising the flag of my close friend whom I took as my brother years ago, United States Army Veteran (Persian Gulf War) Gary Bump. My brother passed away last deer season while walking to retrieve his dream buck, he had just shot. He and his longtime girlfriend Jane whom I took as my sister, had just spent time at our house just a couple months before he passed. When they last visited, we were talking about how we were going to attend this upcoming Memorial Day powwow and raise our fathers’ flags side by side. I am honored that Jane asked me to raise my brother’s flag for the first time.
My wife Amanda just recently lost her grandfather Dale DeWildt, a United States Marine. Dale was a great man in my eyes, and in the eyes of countless others. Military service runs in Amanda’s family as well. Her father Mark is retired Navy. Amanda too loves the Memorial Day remembrance and honoring that takes place at the powwow. I imagine it will be bitter sweet for her as well, remembering her grandfather and his service to his country. I would be remiss not to mention that Dale was quite the fixture at his American Legion Post 38 in Appleton, Wisconsin. He was a respected and loved man by his fellow Legion members, but more importantly he treated everyone with respect.
As, I raise my father’s and Gary’s flags on Monday and remember Dale, I will think about how these three men who selflessly served their country, are perfect in every way now. I will ask Creator to ease the sorrow and take away the loneliness of all Walked on Warriors’ loved ones and friends still here on Mother Earth. I will celebrate and honor these fine men, knowing someday we will see each other again when Creator calls my name.
