[jessefan]

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/7201718.htm
SEMINOLE TRIBE
Hopi woman killed in Iraq is honored
In a salute to veterans, the Seminole Tribe hosts ceremonies honoring Army Pfc. Lori Piestewa, a Hopi, who became the first woman soldier to die during Iraq duty.
BY ASHLEY FANTZ
afantz@herald.com


More photos

TAKING IT ALL IN: Carla Piestewa, 3, clings to her grandmother Percy Piestewa at Thursday's ceremony. A laminated news photo of Carla's mother, Pfc. Lori Piestewa, shows her, right, with her friend Jessica Lynch at Fort Bliss, Texas. J. ALBERT DIAZ/HERALD STAFF


Sho-na-bish.

That Seminole word, meaning ''thank you,'' was repeated many times Thursday as Native American veterans from around the nation honored one of their own, a Hopi who was the first female soldier to die in Iraq.

Gathered at the Seminole Big Cypress Entertainment Complex on Broward County's western edge for the 16th annual Veterans Day Celebration, about 300 Native Americans were part of a tribute to Pfc. Lori Piestewa.

She was 23 years old in March when Iraqis ambushed her 507th Maintenance Co. and captured her comrades, including her closest friend and roommate, Pfc. Jessica Lynch. On Sunday, NBC will broadcast a TV movie about Lynch's ordeal.

Piestewa has not received the same level of attention, said Seminole spokesman Elrod Bowers, but tribes from across the country have pulled together to show their support for her family.

''In the Seminole culture, it's not accepted to be loud about your accomplishments, to be out there about what you've done,'' he said. ``We are more subdued.''

Nodding in solemn gratitude, Piestewa's parents accepted a hand-carved flute decorated with fringe and American flags.

In Seminole culture, the flute symbolizes healing, tribe member Steven Bowers explained. The dead soldier's father, Percy Piestewa, listened intently as his wife, Terry Piestewa, wrapped her arms around Lori's children, Brandon, 5, and Carla, 3. Piestewa was divorced, and the children now live with her parents.

Highly guarded about the details of their daughter's life, the Piestewas were quiet throughout the day's events, but seemed comfortable joining in a victory dance performed by the Comanche Little Pony Warrior Society, a national group with some Florida members.

''We are very humbled,'' said Percy Piestewa. ``We thank you, and God bless you all.''

Immediately after they received news of their daughter's death, they told the cavalcade of reporters who descended on their town that Lori might be embarrassed by all the attention. Nevertheless, her name and legacy are now etched in American history. For example, Squaw Peak in Phoenix was named after her this summer.

The Seminoles contacted the Piestewa family in June, offering to pay their way from their home in Arizona to South Florida for the ceremony. The tribe traditionally hosts a memorial before Veterans' Day to allow Native American servicemen and women to celebrate with their fellow soldiers of all backgrounds on the national holiday, which this year is on Tuesday.

Military accomplishments were acknowledged proudly Thursday, with four hours of dancing, singing and schoolchildren from the Seminole's Ahfachkee School reading poems and essays with patriotic themes.

A display included photographs of decorated Seminole soldiers. The tribe's members have been awarded purple hearts, and have served multiple tours in Vietnam and World War II. One was a member of the White House staff under three presidents, earning him the President's Service Badge.

Dave Forman, president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 23 Broward, said 14 Seminoles gave their life in that war. He served as an Air Police officer from 1964 to 1965.

He said he feels a solidarity with Native American veterans. ''When we came home, we had to fight with the federal government to get everything we got,'' he said. ``And they have fought just as hard to get every honor they deserve.''

[Soprano84]

I note that the picture referenced it the now famous one of Lori & Jessica the day of their deployment.

What a powerful image that's become...combined with the continual retelling of how close they were, and Jessica's own commentary and the foundation she's starting, it's a VERY strong testament to what makes this country work.

I just wish it hadn't been necessarry...

RIP Lori

[patience2]

Another tribute to Lori. This is part of the tribute to Lori on display at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Inc. which is located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington Cemetery in Virginia. This tribute was given Memorial Day, 2002. It has been posted before but there may be new forum posters who haven't seen it.

http://www.womensmemorial.org/historyandco...ripiestewa.html

[mainzman]

I think it's very fitting how the Native American Community has come together, like a family, to honor and pay tribute to Lori and her family in this way. Jessica and Lori had alot more than a close fiendship, they have two wonderful communities which came together and supported them during some very difficult and challenging times.

[patience2]

QUOTE (patience2 @ Nov 7 2003, 07:13 PM)

Another tribute to Lori. This is part of the tribute to Lori on display at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Inc. which is located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington Cemetery in Virginia. This tribute was given Memorial Day, 2002. http://www.womensmemorial.org/historyandco...ripiestewa.html

The tribute was given Memorial Day, 2003

I have read in earlier articles that Lori's community feels that she has not been given alot of recognition for her service and sacrifice. That is why I feel that this tribute to her is so important.
To repeat Soprano's sentiment, "I wish it hadn't been necessary."