Powwow will honor veterans

Powwow will honor veterans
Event to feature speech by Navajo code talker
Sunday, September 10, 2006
BY ELIOT BROWNOF THE JOURNAL STAR
edwards - An American Indian powwow honoring veterans will begin Friday, featuring a speech from a Navajo code talker who fought in World War II. The Gathering of Veterans Friendship Pow Wow, now in its third year, is hosted by the Seven Circles Heritage Center in Edwards. The speaker is Thomas Begay, one of few remaining Navajo tribe members who used the Navajo language as code in the Pacific during World War II. Begay, who will speak throughout the powwow, served as a radio operator in the 5th Marine Division, where he was one of about 400 Navajos who transmitted code for the Army.
The powwow, which lasts through Sept. 17, will have a variety of events and vendors that celebrate American Indian culture and honor veterans.
In addition to the featured Grand Entry processionals with flag bearers and dancers and singers in traditional dress, activities include a reading of prisoner of war and missing in action names from Illinois and surrounding states at 6 p.m. Friday, a variety of songs and dances, the world's largest POW/MIA flag, and stands selling American Indian art, food and craft products. On Sept. 17, the Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin and the Native American Fellowship will conduct a 10:30 a.m. worship service.
The Seven Circles Heritage Center, an American Indian cultural center, has been putting on powwows for more than 10 years, though it incorporated the veteran theme to the event two years ago.
Butch McCamy, organizer of the powwow, said that by adding a focus on veterans, the event is following a national trend in powwows.
"We needed to do something in the area to help with the healing in the veterans," McCamy said. "Lately there's been a big emphasis on honoring veterans."
Eliot Brown can be reached at 686-3114 or ebrown@pjstar.com.