Veterans Day Observed

This past Sunday, November 11, was Veterans Day in the United States.  I would venture to say that few people observe this American holiday.  I come from a family that has served in the military and I have come to enjoy and look forward to this one day when we remember those in the military service who have passed away and those who have completed their service. 

In my family and culture, warriors, are valued and honored.  On Sunday, I attend the Veterans Day Pow-wow held at Volk Field in Camp Douglas Wisconsin.  It was a rather small gathering for a pow-wow as it was meant to be more of a social gathering rather than a competition pow-wow.  I visited with many people who I have not seen in months and even years.

I am most grateful for the time I spent with one of my Aunties.  My Auntie Della is my youngest Aunt/Mother. She will celebrate her 76 birthday in February.  Aunt Della is the person who taught me how to dance in a traditional style when I was just 6 or 7 years old.  She passed on her love of traditional dance to me.  I had such fun and joy as I danced with her and her daughter for several songs.  At one point, I was very aware how significant that moment in time was because we had not danced together in a very long time. 

On a day to honor our warriors was also a day I danced in honor of my Aunt and all that she has taught me about Native American dance.  She taught me that we are sacred dancers as we step to the beat of the drum. As we dance, with each step we take to the drum beat, the beat of Mother Earth we send prayers to Mother Earth. 

This year as in years past, my prayer is for peace.  Migwiitch for reading and spending time with me at Between the Beats.  Much Love and an Abundant of Blessings, Neshi.

All rights reserved.  Yvette Neshi Lokotz, November 2007.