Powwow ceremonies honor veterans
By Jerry W. Kram
The native tradition is one that honors warriors. The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara peoples continue that tradition into the modern age. The three tribes have produced many warriors who have served the United States in war and peace as members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.
Those honors were front and center at the 2015 Little Shell Celebration and Powwow in Four Bears last weekend. Bruce Freeman was one of those veterans. He spent four years of active duty with the Marines from 2007 to 2011. He is also the vice commander of American Legion Post 271. He was the flag bearer for the ceremonies over the four day event. He said the honor given veterans during the celebration lets them know there is a place where their service is appreciated.
"I was only home for two years when they asked me to be flag bearer the first time," Freeman said. "I was raised going to powwows. Now I am a veteran, and they have asked me to be the flag bearer again. I think the Antelope Society liked the job I did back in 2013. So last year they asked me again. I didn’t refuse because it is quite an honor to be in charge of all the veterans."
