December 29, 1890 is still remembered as one of the darkest days in American history...
At Wounded Knee, South Dakota in the bitter cold of winter, 300 native men, women and children were unnecessarily slaughtered by the US Seventh Calvary. To this day, Wounded Knee symbolizes all the wrongs inflicted on Native Americans through the years, and we continue to marvel at what inspires such cold hearted cruelty...
A solemn cemetery stands at the top of the hill... Many crosses are there also commemorating the One Great Warrior who sacrificed it all, proving that the heart of a true warrior and friend is measured in willingness to lay down his life for the good of the tribe.
At the site, a stone marker stands with the names of some of the fallen inscribed, beginning with Chief Big Foot... (for a closer look, click on the pic)
Having embraced the homeland and being fierce warriors at heart, an impressive number of Native Americans have served under the same flag which flew on that day in the hands of their slayers.
It is most humbling to witness the honor and hero's welcome those who serve in the military receive from their community.
As I was leaving, I spotted two young men on their way home from a basketball tournament. They called themselves the 'Wounded Knee Warriors', the name of their singing group...
...still singing to the beat of the drum
Hoka Hey,
Tom
