Let
us pay tribute and remember those Native Americans that went off to war
for the land that they loved.
It is Boyd Fallwell ,a brother/friend
and fellow Marine, whom has inspired me to place this memorial at my homesite.
Ironically, my duties during the Viet Nam war were to recover, process
and make ready for shippment all the remains of our fallen heros.
There were approximently 27,000 courageous young men that went through
The Graves Registration Unit I was attached to during my stay of May 8,1968
until Jan. 10,1970. I will never forget them.
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January 9, 1998 This was one of the most unforgettable services I
have given. It was given after dark during windy almost freezing
rain. Native American Color Guard & Veterans of America Honor
Guard served together for the military honors of Chief Virgil Franklin,
Sr. The funeral service started at 1:00 p.m. and lasted until 6:00 p.m.
More than 1500 people attended the service. The five hour long service
thendrove to Concho Indian Cemetery arriving at 6:30 p.m. after dark duringwindy
near freezing rain. An advance party proceeded to the cemetery and formed
a half circle with automobile headlights shining on the military honor
service at the grave site. Chief Waa-tan-gaa-a - Black Coyote was
loved and respected by his tribe and many friends.He served his/our beloved
country in the U.S. Navy during WW-II. Chief Black Coyote's American
flag was held over the casket while Taps were played by an indian bugler
trumpeter. The flag was folded wet during the rain but later unfold, dried
& refolded. A beautiful Indian blanket was placed over the casket
after flag wasremoved and folded. The Flag was folded to the beat
of war drums, indian yells, songs & chants. The casket
and blanket were lowered into the grave with the same beat of war drums,
indian yells, songs & chants. The theme and beat of the drums was "a
Warrior has fallen". It was such a beautiful service, no one paid any attention
to the near freezing rain and wind, except me, I was cold, wet & froze
my.....
Words of Boyd Fallwell from
Oklahoma City Veterans of America Honor Guard
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Native American
brothers & comrades at arms that I have given honors are:
Virgil R. Franklin, Sr. -
Chief of the Cheyenne & Arapaho Nations. Chief
Waa-tan-gaa-a - Black Coyote was laid to rest last month January 9, 1998
with full military honors by Native American Color Guard & Veterans
of America Honor Guard.
Sherman Goose - U.S.
Army WW-II - Indian Cemetery Clinton, OK. Feb. 02
Herman Wakefield Youngbear -
U.S. Army WW-II Thomas, OK. July 11
Gerald Ahpeatone - U.S.
Army - Korea Age 64 March 29, 1933 - April 25, 1997
John W. Steele - U.S.
Army Air Force WW-II Age 72 December 29, 1923 - April 16, 1996
Buddy Bond
- Police Officer - Military Veteran Founder of the Native American
Color Guard has deceased.
