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UNITED KEETOOWAH Band Assistant ChiefCharles Locust placed a wreath below the threeflags in honor of all Keetoowah soldiers and allmembers of the United States Armed Forces inrecognition of Memorial Day.

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MEMBERS OF the American Legion Riders Chapter 15 placed a wreath inhonor of fallen American soldiers as well as for M.I.A. and P.O.W.

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AMERICAN LEGION Riders Chapter 15 honored fallen comrades with athree Volley Salute followed with the playing of Taps during the May 26Memorial ceremonies at the United Keetoowah Band complex south ofTahlequah.

Keetoowah Cherokees Participate in Laying of the Wreath Ceremony

In an emotional Memorial Day ceremony,the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indiansin Oklahoma honored War Veterans, those Missingin Action (MIA's) and Prisoners Of War (POW's)during a wreath laying ceremony held at the UKBComplex south of Tahlequah. The event was sponsoredby the American Legion Riders Chapter 15of Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Over 157 motorcyclists traveled fromMuskogee to pay tribute to fallen veterans of allwars and service. "Let's not forget the ones thatare over there now. Let's pray for their safety, becausesomeone was praying for us when we werethere, and we made it home," said Norman "Hominy"Littledave, United States Air Force Veteran,1966-1968, now serving as UKB Tribal CommunityCoordinator.

A crowd of over 200 people were presentto witness the laying of the wreaths at the UKBflag poles. "It blessed my heart when Brother Jordan(Carl J. Jordan) asked me if they could comedown and do a Memorial service for the fallencomrades. I told him we didn't even have a monument,and he said you don't need a monument, youhave three flags. The greatest flag of them all is theUnited States of America flag," said Littledave.

Assistant Chief Charles Locust also welcomedthe American Legion Riders and guestsattending the ceremony. "One thing we have toremember is that we have to support our soldiers.No matter how we feel politically, we have to supportthem. That's one thing Native Americans canbe proud of, how our people have served in themilitary. This was our homeland first, and we willfight for it no matter what. So let's honor the pastand not forget them, that's the way Native Americansfeel. We don't forget our ancestors, we don'tforget the people of the past, because if it weren'tfor our ancestors and the sacrifices they havemade, we wouldn't be here today," stated Locust.Assistant Chief Locust and the American LegionRiders placed wreaths under the three flags. TheUKB Color Guard presented the colors as Post15 fired a three Volley Salute and played Taps inhonor of all fallen comrades.

Chief George Wickliffe ended the ceremonyspeaking to the audience. "Keetoowah peoplehave served in all of the wars that have happened,served proudly, this is a great and honorable occasion.We're proud of all of the military men andwomen who have served, and all of the peoplewho have given their lives for the freedom that weenjoy today. Let's continue to enjoy our freedomand to do our best to keep the freedom going herein the United States," stated Chief Wickliffe.

"We are grateful for all who have participatedon this special occasion. We want to thankChief Wickliffe, Assistant Chief Locust, UKBTribal Secretary Liz Littledave, and the AmericanLegion Riders Chapter 15. A special thank you toNellie and Curtis Hunt for their encouragementand hard work," added Littledave.

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