HONORING: Judith Nelson watches as the American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post 143 presented a wreath in honor of her father, the late Beloved Man and former Principal Chief Robert S. Youngdeer, at the Cherokee Veterans Park on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 26. Also participating in the event was post members Charles Penick, Gregory Hunt, Charlie McCullough, James Arch, Warren DuPree, Principal Chief Richard Sneed and Chief Youngdeer’s, son Merritt Youngdeer. (JOSEPH MARTIN/One Feather)
By JOSEPH MARTIN
ONE FEATHER STAFF
The American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post 143 laid a wreath at the Cherokee Veterans Park to honor the memory of Beloved Man and former Principal Chief Robert Youngdeer. Youngdeer, 96, died Oct. 20. Youngdeer was principal chief from 1983-87.
Youngdeer is also known as a hero. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps where he was wounded in combat. After he healed and recovered, he returned to duty and served in the Okinawa campaign. After his discharge from the Marines, he then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a paratrooper.
“This wreath will be placed and will remain for the next 30 days,” said Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed, a fellow Marine.
Youngdeer’s son, Merritt Youngdeer, said, “This is a very fine tribute. He loved his Tribe, and he loved his country. I can’t think of a greater tribute than what was given yesterday and what was given, so we appreciate that very much. We certainly are honored by this occasion.”
“I just want to thank everybody for loving my daddy,” Chief Youngdeer’s daughter Judith Nelson tearfully said.
