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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
May 20, 2012 - 4:51:44 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Matthew Voges of the Four Winds Intertribal Society in Killeen performs a grass dance during a Native American Observance Month event held at Howze Theater Nov. 8. (Photo by Capt. Marvin J. Baker, 120th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs) |
FORT HOOD, Texas — Some 500 Soldiers on Fort Hood learned of the significant contributions of America’s early inhabitants during a Native American Observance event sponsored by Division West Nov. 8 at Fort Hood’s Howze Theater.
Brig. Gen. Terrence Hildner, commander of the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command who offered opening remarks, lauded the accomplishments, particularly those toward the military, in the ceremony.
The guest speaker for the event, Virner R. Duncan who served 22 years in the Army before retiring in 1987, discussed the contributions of Native Americans citing that many tribes were involved in the American Civil War. More than 12,000 served during World War I, and more than 44,000 served during World War II, Duncan said. There are nearly 200,000 Native American military veterans. Historically, Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita when compared to other ethnic groups. Twenty-three Native Americans have been awarded the Medal of Honor with 11 coming before 1900, Duncan said.
The presentation also included dance and flute performances by members of Killeen’s Four Winds Intertribal Society. The group performed four dances called grass dance, butterfly dance, jingle dance and a crow hop.
“Our dances are an expression for our feelings for others. The dances celebrate life, and some are for prayer for others who are suffering,” said Nicole Riveradones, a performer with the Four Winds Intertribal Society.
Matthew Voges performed the grass dance, which had two purposes according to Voges.
“I was taught that the dance was used to imitate the grass when the cavalry was coming in order to distract them during their patrols, and another reason for the dance was to prepare a grass field for a ceremony,” Voges said.
Voges said he wanted the Soldiers to know that the culture is still around and encouraged others who are Native American to learn more about their heritage.
Hildner closed the ceremony by encouraging Soldiers to start to learn more about the culture and take time to recognize how beneficial diversity has been to the Army.
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