Veterans Honored

Scott Csernyik

12/12/1999 12:00:00 AM

Duty, responsibility, obligation and loyalty.

These are the four principals which the Anishnabe Ogitchedaw Veterans and Warrior Society is built upon, according to Myron Cloutier, the group's okima.

"Out of the proper application of those principals will flow honor," stated Cloutier at the Second Annual Veterans' Honor Feast on Nov. 11. "Our ancestors were an honorable people," he added. "We as warriors served our people from the beginning of time."

About 300 people attended the event, which took place at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. The feast included song from the drum, "War Party," and a giveaway. A charter sanctioning the group was also signed by Chief Phil Peters Sr.

In his opening remarks, Cloutier also stated that there has always been an American Indian influence in the military. "In the early 1800s, we served as Army scouts in the Indian territories," he said. "During the Civil War, some 106 Chippewa Indians left their homes for the battlefields, hoping that by participating in the fighting they might bring some benefit to their people.

"This unit, Company K 1st Michigan sharpshooters, became the Union's most famous Indian fighting force. However, on their return to their homeland, the ancestral land was taken through treaty."

Despite these inherent obstacles, Cloutier said Native people kept a continued commitment to the country's fighting forces. "For more than two centuries, Native Americans like these have gone forth to give all for their country," he also said.

"During World War I, we went 'over there,' even though we couldn't even vote 'over here.' During World War II, more than 25,000 Indian men and women served in the military and were honored with 71 air medals, 51 silver stars, 47 bronze stars, 34 distinguished service crosses and two Medals of Honor. We have helped turn obscure sites around the world into landmarks of history."

Today, one out of every four Native Americans is a veteran.

"Our vision is not only to have a progressive veterans/warrior society, but to someday have our own Tribal veterans' memorial honoring those who have served," Cloutier also said.

Peters and Cloutier also signed the charter sanctioning the Anishnabe Ogitchedaw Veterans and Warrior Society as an official entity recognized by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Peters also administered the oath of office to the society's officers.