During a Memorial Day ceremony at the Yellowhill Veterans Cemetery on Monday, May 27, Monique Vignier-Marquet (right), of Niort, France, presents a wooden carved angel to former Principal Chief Robert Youngdeer (left) for his service in World War II as fellow WWII veteran Reuben Taylor looks on. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photos)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
Fallen heroes of every branch of the United States Armed Forces were honored and remembered at a special Memorial Day Ceremony in Cherokee. The Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 held the ceremony on Monday, May 27 at the Yellowhill Veterans Cemetery.
EBCI Beloved Man and WWII veteran Jerry Wolfe (at podium) speaks during Monday’s event. Shown (left-right) in back are Post 143 Commander Lew Harding, Post 143 service officer Warren Dupree and Legionnaire Sam Lambert.
“Freedom reigns in America today because of common men and women of uncommon valor,” said Lew Harding, Post 143 Commander. “This day is a day of pride and reflection. This is a day to remember.”
He said the history of America is filled with the sacrifices of those who served. “It is our responsibility to never forget and we are honor-bound to not let others forget. It is hard to complain about the high cost of anything this weekend when we think of the high cost they paid for us all.”
Following the posting of the colors by the Post 143 Color Guard, Big Cove Rep. Perry Shell, a U.S. Army veteran, gave the opening prayer. Harding’s opening remarks were followed by a musical presentation of “Sung in Honor of Those Who Served” by Legionnaire Phyllis Shell.
Legionnaire Jack Saunooke (right) reads the Roll of Honor honoring EBCI tribal members who died in service while fellow Legionnaire Sam Lambert performs the ringing of the bell ceremony in their honor.
Ray Kinsland, the keynote speaker, commented, “When I pray, whether publically or privately, I’m careful to thank God for our freedom and for the men and women who sacrificed to make that freedom possible.”
He gave a brief history of Memorial Day and related, “Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation. It is about coming together to honor those who gave it all.”
Kinsland said that over 1,200 EBCI tribal members have served in the Armed Forces since the Revolutionary War. “Let us vow to never forget their dedication. When they were needed, they answered the call. The Cherokee example is one of selfless service.”
EBCI Beloved Man Jerry Wolfe served as a Petty Officer – 2nd Class in the U.S. Navy during World War II and participated in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy. “Today’s ceremony is dedicated to those Eastern Band of Cherokee men and women who answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Of his service at D-Day, Wolfe noted, “It was a great experience. It was a good thing to free the French people. Had we not invaded, we probably would have been invaded by our enemy.”
In a special presentation at Monday’s event, a family from Niort, France recognized the valor of the three World War II veterans in attendance – Wolfe, Reuben Taylor and former Principal Chief Robert Youngdeer – and presented each with a carved angel.
“We just could not come here and not say thank you,” said Florence Paul, wife of EBCI tribal member Bill Paul. “To us, they are our angels.”
Florence, who now lives in Cherokee, was joined by visiting family members Monique Vignier-Marquet and Joel Vignier.
Legionnaire Jack Saunooke then read the Roll of Honor honoring EBCI tribal members who died in service while fellow Legionnaire Sam Lambert performed the ringing of the bell ceremony in their honor.
Post 143 service officer Warren Dupree read the poem “In Flanders Field” which was followed by the placing of the memorial wreath by Maj. William Underwood and Wolfe.
The Post 143 Color Guard then fired a salute to the fallen which was followed by Taps and the benediction by Maj. Underwood.
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