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National
Memorial honors Piestewa year after death in Iraq



Lori Piestewa, the Hopi woman killed in action in Iraq, was remembered at a memorial in Phoenix on Tuesday, a year after her death.

Piestewa's family, including her two young children, attended a sunrise tribute at the foot of Piestewa Peak. The ceremony reflected Piestewa's Hopi and Hispanic heritage.

Later in the day, Piestewa's mother, Priscilla "Percy" Piestewa, testified against two bills that the family and tribal leaders say aim to change the name of the peak back to "Squaw Peak." But Rep. Phil Hanson claims he doesn't want to revert to the old name.

Lori Piestewa lived in Tuba City on the Navajo Nation. Her unit was attacked by Iraqis in the southern desert. She was hurt in the ambush and died after being taken to an area hospital. Her close friend and roommate, Jessica Lynch, was also hurt but survived.

Lynch and a fellow soldier who was also captured sent statements supporting the naming of Piestewa Peak.

Get the Story:
Piestewa kin seek end to peak fray (The Arizona Republic 3/24)
Hundreds gather to honor Piestewa a year after her death (AP 3/24)
Piestewa's Mom: Don't Change Name of Mountain (AP 3/24)
Honoring A Fallen Soldier (KOLD-TV 3/23)

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