OCR Text |
Show Is the 'Unknown Soldier' in Arlington an American Indian? Is the "Unknown Soldier" who sleeps in the nation's shrine in Arlington cemetery an American Indian? He might well be: When that American soldier was enshrined there on November 11, 1922. four Indian chieftains were present as official representatives of the red men who had given their lives for their country. They were Red Owl of the Oglala Sioux. Stranger Horse of the Brule Sioux, Lone Wolf of the Kiowas and Plenty Coups of the Crows. To the latter fell the honor of placing on the marble mar-ble tomb a war bonnet and a coup stick appropriate gifts or a dead warrior. As Plenty Coups placed them on the tomb he said: "I feel it an honor to the red man that he has taken part in this great event today because it shows that the thousands of Indian soldiers who fought in the great war are appre ciated by the white man. I am glad to represent the Indians of the United Unit-ed States in placing on the grave of this noble unknown warrior this coup stick and war bonnet, every eagle feather of which represents a deed of valor by my race. I hope that th Great Spirit will grant that these noble warriors have not given up their lives in vain and that there will be peace to all men hereafter. This is the Indian's hope and prayer." |