By
Roy Cook
Native
American Veterans and Elders attended the Memorial Day dedication of
a plaque in honor of Lori Piestewa on Mt. Soledad May 31, 2004. The
Barona Band of Mission Indians and the Barona Museum and Cultural center
sponsored this memorial dedicated to: Lori Piestewa, Hopi Warrior, fallen
in battle in Iraq while serving with the U. S Army. The Barona tribe
also sponsored another plaque in honor of all Barona Tribal members,
including six Purple Heart recipients, who have served in the Military
for the defense of this land.
Clifford La Chappa, Barona Tribal Chairperson,
spoke at the memorial. Ron Chrisman, Kumeyaay Bird singer and
also combat veteran of the U. S. Army Vietnam era, sang special songs
in her memory. The family of Lori Piestewa was in attendance.
The San Diego American Indian Warriors Association (AIWA) was also present
in Color Guard regalia for the dedication. USMC Native American veterans:
Luis and John Rojelio, Chiricahua, were in Gourd dance regalia. Also attending
is Manuel Pacheco, WW II, Korea and Vietnam era paratrooper with two
combat jumps.
"Memorial
Day 2004 in San Diego was like none other," said Dr. Eleanora I.
Robbins. "This day was dedicated to women in the service."
Lori Piestewa (Hopi), the first Native American to give her life in
service to the armed forces of the United States, was honored.
Ron Christman, Kumeyaay, led the Bird singers. Lori's mother talked
about her love for all who have served. Clifford LaChappa, Barona
Tribal Chairperson, shared his respect for Lori and all people who have
been in military service. Other speakers included San Diego Mayor
Dick Murphy, Rear Admiral Frances Shea-Buckley (US Navy), and Ship Commander
Ann Phillips (US Marine Corps).
We will never forget the sacrifices and the love, as so beautifully
spoken by these strong voices.
Further, Wayne
Taylor, chairman of the Hopi Tribe said. "When a Hopi is deceased, she
comes back to the home mesas," said Wayne Taylor, the tribal chairman,
as snowflakes coated his shoulders on a special Saturday afternoon.
"The spirit returns to the community and the family in the form of moisture.
And this is Lori coming back."
Through generations of intermarriage, the Piestewa family represents
several of those cultures. The late soldier was a Hopi with some Navajo
heritage, the granddaughter of a Hispanic immigrant and a practicing
Roman Catholic. Her 4-year-old son Brandon and her 3-year-old daughter
Carla were baptized at St. Jude's Roman Catholic Church in Flagstaff,
AZ. The children presently live with their grandparents in Tuba City,
AZ.
Roy Cook: writer, curator, Opata/Osage-Mazopioye Wichasha