CRAZY HORSE, SOUTH DAKOTA — They braved many hardships, such as rain, wind and cold, but were determined to complete their mission. Their mission was to ride horseback, each carrying the flag of a Lakota Veteran, through the rugged reservation terrain into the Black Hills until they reached their destination, Crazy Horse Memorial. In conjunction with the installation of the new UH-72A “Lakota” Helicopter, May 15 was designated as a day to honor all Lakota warriors. Modern-day warriors are held in high esteem by the Lakota community, and items commemorating those veterans such as their flags are especially revered. The ride was organized by Pine Ridge Veterans Shelter Officer Joe Morisette and Veteran Service Officer Frank Marshall from Pine Ridge as a tribute to all Lakota Akicita who served in the U.S. armed forces. The ride began on May 10 from the Kyle area. A group under the leadership of Jeremiah Young Bull Bear began their westward journey. They rode to an area near the White River Visitor Center, where the first nights’ camp was established. The next day, they departed for Buffalo Gap, where camp was established near the reservation line at the ranch of Frank Rapp. At the Rapp Ranch, the initial group was joined by the Oglala Riders, under the leadership of Charlie New Holy. Also joining the group was the Slim Butte Riders, led by Marv and Mark Goings and Benedict Good Buffalo. Good Buffalo and New Holy also filled the services as the rides’ spiritual leaders. A group of riders from Bullhead on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation led by Milton Brown Otter also joined them. Together they departed the Rapp Ranch on May 13, arriving at their next camp at French Creek Horse Camp, in Custer State Park. The following morning, the group departed for Crazy Horse Monument. They rode down Main Street in Custer, with the support of the Custer County Sheriff’s office providing escort, for traffic safety. When they arrived at Crazy Horse gate, the group prayed and purified each individual, his flag and his mount. As no camping was allowed at Crazy Horse, the group conducted a site meeting, as to what they felt was the best solution. Camping, and horse care facilities were offered at the ranch of John and Gail Ertel, approximately two miles south of Crazy Horse Monument. The horses were then loaded into trailers, and transported to the Ertel Ranch. The following morning, the group assembled at the Crazy Horse Rodeo grounds, which was to be used as a staging site only, and prepared for their final destination to the area of the static helicopter display. In the brisk morning air Wilmer Mesteth offered morning prayers, and honoring song, prior to the groups departing from the staging area, to the ceremony site. Upon their arrival at the ceremonial site, National Guard Troops were stationed along a row of flag stands, maintaining a position of attention. As each rider rode up to the National Guard Soldier, the uniformed troop smartly saluted each individual flag, executed a snappy about-face in rigid military custom, and inserted the flag into the flag stand. Among the 30 individuals being honored, were veterans from WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. They included three KIA Veterans: one from WWII, and two from Vietnam. Families provided the flags and poles, as it was advertised any family could honor any deceased veteran member, in this fashion ribbons were attached to each flag pole, personalizing each, as to who it represented which branch of service, and any conflicts the individual served in, if applicable. A roll call was held for approximately 40 individual veterans, whose flags were carried, as well as individuals wishing to have their deceased veterans recognized, upon completion of the official ceremony by Charlie New Holy. (Contact Jack Cummings at cummingsrap@aol.com)
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