Post by blackcrowheart on Oct 31, 2007 16:08:18 GMT -5
Veteran memorials don’t mention American Indian soldiers
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by Edward Barlow, letter to the editor
.
The Viroqua Area Veteran's Memorial has certainly been a great addition to Viroqua. America's veterans should always be remembered, honored and respected. With this in mind, I have two comments regarding the Viroqua Area Veterans Memorial (VAVM) and other veteran's memorials.
First, at the VAVM there are no entries what-so-ever for veterans who served in the many "Indian" wars waged in our country. These wars were a big part of our history. According to army historian, Col. Ernest Dupuy, just in the period between 1861 and 1890, the U.S. Army engaged in more than 950 battles, massacres or skirmishes against the Native Americans. A total of 428 Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded for bravery. So, why are there no entries or recognition for these veterans?
Second, Native Americans, too, are veterans. They are veterans of the countless wars, ethnic cleansings, battles, massacres and skirmishes wage against them. They fought against the invaders and occupiers of their homelands and communities. They fought for their families, friends, freedom and way of life. Their cause was just.
The whole world looks upon the American Indian warrior as the "Bravest of the Brave." They are some of America's (and the world's) truly great heroes and patriots. So, at the VAVM and other veteran's memorials would it be appropriate to honor these Native American veterans? They, too, loved this country.
Edward Barlow
Viroqua
(The Vernon County Broadcaster's website does not post reader comments on letters to the editor, so any posts made to this letter, will not appear on the website.)
.
Advertisement
Advertise Info. Website Directory
by Edward Barlow, letter to the editor
.
The Viroqua Area Veteran's Memorial has certainly been a great addition to Viroqua. America's veterans should always be remembered, honored and respected. With this in mind, I have two comments regarding the Viroqua Area Veterans Memorial (VAVM) and other veteran's memorials.
First, at the VAVM there are no entries what-so-ever for veterans who served in the many "Indian" wars waged in our country. These wars were a big part of our history. According to army historian, Col. Ernest Dupuy, just in the period between 1861 and 1890, the U.S. Army engaged in more than 950 battles, massacres or skirmishes against the Native Americans. A total of 428 Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded for bravery. So, why are there no entries or recognition for these veterans?
Second, Native Americans, too, are veterans. They are veterans of the countless wars, ethnic cleansings, battles, massacres and skirmishes wage against them. They fought against the invaders and occupiers of their homelands and communities. They fought for their families, friends, freedom and way of life. Their cause was just.
The whole world looks upon the American Indian warrior as the "Bravest of the Brave." They are some of America's (and the world's) truly great heroes and patriots. So, at the VAVM and other veteran's memorials would it be appropriate to honor these Native American veterans? They, too, loved this country.
Edward Barlow
Viroqua
(The Vernon County Broadcaster's website does not post reader comments on letters to the editor, so any posts made to this letter, will not appear on the website.)
.