Bam Brewer (Center) says the Crazy Horse memorial ride is meant to honor all veterans. PHOTO BY/David Michaud
A ride for the Veterans
By David Michaud
Native Sun News Correspondent PINE RIDGE — As summer begins on the Pine Ridge Reservation it always brings with it the Crazy Horse Memorial Ride. Starting from humble beginnings the ride has transformed into a large, statewide event. Bamm Brewer began the Crazy Horse Ride in 1998 with the Grey Eagle and Red Feather societies because he saw a need to pay tribute to a group that he felt was not properly recognized. “It was started to originally honor the Vietnam veterans who didn’t really receive an honorable return from the battlefield,” said Brewer. “We thought that a late honoring was better than none at all.” Although the ride began as a means to honor Vietnam veterans it has morphed into an honoring for all veterans, regardless of race or time served in the military, according to Brewer. The ride started with humble beginnings, less than 40 riders, before jumping to the more than 250 riders that routinely join the ride now. Each year the ride is led by what Brewer describes as a “Spirit Horse” that represents the Spirit of Crazy Horse. Every year the horse, a young pony, walks in front of the ride and leads the rest of the group all the way into the town of Pine Ridge without any help. Throughout the ride there are lessons taught every step of the way. “I want people to learn perseverance and to never give up in life. Crazy Horse never gave up and he held on to the ways of the people,” said Brewer, “The Lakota way of life is what our youth need. They need to learn their own heritage and keep the Lakota way of life strong. Everything about our way of life is important to have balance in life. The language, hunting, ceremonies and our horses all play into having a complete life,” added Brewer. While on the ride he hopes that the riders, whom he says are roughly 85% youths, can learn about the Lakota way of life and the life of Crazy Horse. To help teach the youngsters on the ride there are elders who tell stories every night of the ride. Each night of the ride there are different activities. On the first night there is an introduction, allowing those participating in the ride to become better acquainted with the families they are riding beside. After introductions the group begins a prayer circle in the hopes that it will help all Lakota people. “The first night is where the connections start, after that it all grows.” If you go to just one night Brewer says that Wednesday night would be the night to go out to the camp in Beaver Valley. “You got to be there on this night. It’s a very powerful camp with fun, lots of food and the spirits are with us. The drum group sings into the night no matter what, rain or shine, and it’s always a fun night of honoring, surprises and special guests.” Getting all these riders together is no easy feat, as they must all be fed and transported in order to make the travels safe. Each night every member of the ride must be fed, and feeding over 200 people is a large task. “The ride has a special way in which the riders are fed. Many families cook meals in honor of a veteran or veterans in their family, however in recent years the ride has grown so big there are two or three families kicking in on a meal,” said Brewer. “We fundraise and help out with the bill as some families are really taking on a big task. It’s a great work of unity to see all our cooks pull together for the kids and see them be a lifeline for the riders.” “Some families also prepare meals in honor of a family member that is currently serving overseas in the hopes that, with the blessing of Crazy Horse, they may return home safely and ride with us once again,” said Brewer. Unfortunately, food is not the only concern for the head of the ride. Transportation is also a big problem, as most kids on the ride do not own a truck and trailer capable of taking them to Fort Robinson. Not to worry though, as Bamm also works that out. “We rent a Semi-truck and stock trailer that holds about 35 horses per load. We take two trips, one from Manderson and the other from Pine Ridge and that costs about $1000,” said Brewer. Sponsors play a vital role in the ride. “We are thankful of the tribes help and our individual sponsors. We especially want to thank the One Spirit Organization for not only supporting the main ride but they also support New Warrior Camps for children throughout the summer.” With all the work of setting up and organizing some people may get burnt out on doing the ride, but Brewer says it is really all worth it spiritually as he sees how much the children enjoy it and learn from it. Since the ride travels from Fort Robinson, the site of Crazy Horse’s death, to Pine Ridge it is possible that the riders pass by the site of Crazy Horse’s burial. While hundreds of Natives on horseback going through private land in Nebraska wouldn’t be the safest activity most people would think of, but there has never been a problem with the riders. “We have developed some great relationships over the years with Nebraska land owners and we are truly thankful for their hospitality and the welcome we feel every year is very special. The Kadlecek family has been a big part of the ride especially. Dave Kadlecek has helped in many ways such as the crossing of private lands and the ride is sure happy to have his family as a big part of us.” said Bamm. To go along with individual land owners, there has also been support from the state of Nebraska and the city of Chadron, who along with Dave Kadlecek pushed to get the Crazy Horse Memorial Highway named and honored. With all the support from inside the Reservation and out it is no wonder that the ride has been a success for the past 18 years. Although there are many aspects to the ride, Bamm says there is a main goal that he wants everyone to take home “I want the kids to learn to take care of Mother Earth and each other. During the ride we become unified and one big Tiospaye.” Copyright permission by Native Sun News
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