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Bolling's Powwow Educates People About American Indians
Monday, November 26, 2001
By Rudi Williams / American Forces Press Service

"We would like for people to realize that we're not people to be afraid of; we're just everyday people who want to be respected," said Lucinda Lazaro of the Long Hair Cherokee clan from Goodwater, Ala.

BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C -- AFIS
"American Indians are very patriotic people," Southern Cheyenne Indian Mel Whitebird told attendees at the second annual Veteran's Powwow, here.

"When you come to Powwows and are around American Indian people, you'll realize that the highest honor that can be obtained within our society is that of a warrior," said Whitebird, who served as master of ceremonies for the two- day event. "Our modern day warriors are our veterans and we take time to honor them."

Marching and dancing to thundering drumbeats and "vocables", the grand entry ceremony was led by a five-man Vietnam Era Veteran's Intertribal Association color guard of the Washington Metro Chapter.

The Powwow started with a veteran's dance, Whitebird said. Veterans entered the circle to be honored. In addition, family members of active-duty military people or veterans were also invited to join the dance.
(More: DefenseLink.Mil News Source)
2001 © American Forces Press Service.

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