While other Veterans Day events were celebrated in Washington, D.C., and around the country, LSU sponsored a program to honor Native Americans who have served in the U. S. military.
Native American Indians, some dressed in the traditional clothing of their ancestors, informed students and others Tuesday evening about the new society formed to honor and remember their heritage.
Earlier this year, Loyd Nolin, a Choctaw descendent, met with Ret. Col. Ralph L. Dru and decided to form the Wounded Warrior Society Gourd Clan. The society was created in April 2003 after Dru gained approval from his tribe, the Cheyenne.
Nolin opened the ceremony with a prayer in his native Choctaw language and also played a wooden flute to remember Native American ancestors.
“You cannot see this with your eyes, you have to see ancestry with your heart,” Nolin said.
Dru talked about many Native Americans who have served in the armed forces.
“The most decorated American soldier of the Vietnam War is Billy Walkabout, a full-blooded Cherokee, who won the Distinguished Service Cross, five Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars and six Purple Hearts,” Dru said.
Dru also told the story of 23-year-old prisoner of war Lori Piestewa, of the Hopi Tribe of Tuba City, Ariz.
“Lori was Jessica Lynch’s best friend. Their maintenance company was ambushed in Iraq in March; Piestewa did not survive,” Col. Dru said.
Dru said he honored all veterans because they helped give American people freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of speech and other amendments protecting our rights.
“Indian religion treats the whole person, spiritual and physical, not just the meat and bones,” Dru said.
Nolin, also a Vietnam veteran and former POW, spoke about the Wounded Warrior Society Gourd Clan; it’s members and their activities.
“The Indian wars dissolved old warrior societies, but we have survived, we are proud of their heritage, and we are here,” Nolin said.
There are nine members of the Clan, and it is the only one in Louisiana.
Nolin, along with the other members who were present, demonstrated a Gourd dance.
The members, dressed in traditional clothing with rattles and feathers in hand, danced while music played.
“The dance is representative of what Indian men have always done to protect women,” Nolin said. “The eagle feathers bring us close to the creator.”
Sunnie Gros, a general studies senior, is a member of the Native American Student Organization at LSU.
“It was very moving,” Gros said. “The reality of the spirituality is not as evident in movies as it is when you actually see it.”