thedrifter
11-03-07, 06:40 AM
Special recognition is given to Marines
by: S.E. RUCKMAN World Staff Writer
11/3/2007
OKMULGEE -- The Muscogee (Creek) Nation marked the 232nd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps on Friday by paying tribute to its own Marine veterans.
The tribe's Veteran's Affairs committee sponsored the ceremony at the tribal complex.
About 20 Creek veterans were on hand for the hour-long ceremony to commemorate the Marine Corps' birthday, which traditionally is celebrated in November. Chief A.D. Ellis, who shook hands with each veteran, said the event was meant to show appreciation for a branch of service that took care of many Creeks who served over the years.
Marine dignitaries from Fort Sill in Lawton also attended the event. The tribe presented Marine Col. Scott Campbell with a bronze statue depicting Creek warriors in traditional and modern military uniforms.
Eagle feathers also were presented to Campbell and veterans for accomplished duty.
Campbell said the three-hour drive to attend the day's event was worthwhile.
"They say, 'Once a Marine, always a Marine.' I'd say that comes from the heart, and you can see it here today," he said.
Tribal participants who attended were veterans of World War II and the Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraq wars. Members of the tribe's national council also were present.
Nationally, about 170,000 Indians are veterans of the armed forces, 2005 U.S. Census figures show.
Wes Baker, 80, of Okmulgee is a Creek veteran who served in World War II. He said the number of those attending in his age group were getting slim.
"This is the best birthday I've ever had," he said, referring to the Marine Corps anniversary.
Ellie
by: S.E. RUCKMAN World Staff Writer
11/3/2007
OKMULGEE -- The Muscogee (Creek) Nation marked the 232nd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps on Friday by paying tribute to its own Marine veterans.
The tribe's Veteran's Affairs committee sponsored the ceremony at the tribal complex.
About 20 Creek veterans were on hand for the hour-long ceremony to commemorate the Marine Corps' birthday, which traditionally is celebrated in November. Chief A.D. Ellis, who shook hands with each veteran, said the event was meant to show appreciation for a branch of service that took care of many Creeks who served over the years.
Marine dignitaries from Fort Sill in Lawton also attended the event. The tribe presented Marine Col. Scott Campbell with a bronze statue depicting Creek warriors in traditional and modern military uniforms.
Eagle feathers also were presented to Campbell and veterans for accomplished duty.
Campbell said the three-hour drive to attend the day's event was worthwhile.
"They say, 'Once a Marine, always a Marine.' I'd say that comes from the heart, and you can see it here today," he said.
Tribal participants who attended were veterans of World War II and the Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraq wars. Members of the tribe's national council also were present.
Nationally, about 170,000 Indians are veterans of the armed forces, 2005 U.S. Census figures show.
Wes Baker, 80, of Okmulgee is a Creek veteran who served in World War II. He said the number of those attending in his age group were getting slim.
"This is the best birthday I've ever had," he said, referring to the Marine Corps anniversary.
Ellie