From a Native American colleague of mine who is also an Army officer:
This is a slide show that shows a Lakota Sioux wake and ceremony for a Marine that was killed in Iraq. It shows you the integration of 2 cultures and the specific Sioux culture. Native Americans have the highest per capita service than any other ethnic group. We are only less than 1% of the total US population.
Native Americans do not typically allow photography at traditional ceremonial events; this is why I am sending this to you. You may never be able to see this again.
There are a couple photos with Cpl. Brett Lundstrom’s body in the coffin, so please review before you show any one else.
Semper Fi, Lone Eagle. We honor your bravery and sacrifice.
Went through the whole thing. For some reason, photo #7 kind of got to me.
Yes.
I have never been so proud or touched
Thank you for making this available.
It is utterly right that these beautiful honours be paid to a man who has earned them.
These photographs are quite extraordinary. And so are the Indian warriors. I'm going to feature them on my blog Legacy Matters.
Thank you so much.
Lila waste' Lakota! OFS Lanape
He now walks in the ranks of American battle dead.
And he knows peace.
May his family know that peace, and be comforted by the fullness thereof.
I will pray for them, as I pray for them all.
The slideshow is well worth the time to see and to observe. I was close to tears a few times. I remember feeling that way at the Tomb of the Unknown in Washington.
May God comfort Cpl. Lundstrom's family, and be with them in their sorrow. The memory of this brave man will long linger with me.
Wow, that is probably the most powerful slide show I have seen in a long time. Yea, 17 got to me too. Also 13 was quite powerful, the contrast of the respect the Marines where showing while the uncle is pounding a drum to show traditional native American respect is quite stark, yet both fit so well together. As other have said thanks for putting that up.
I will pray for Him as I pray for all of my fellow Warriors. May He know Peace and may The Great Spirit keep Him safe for all of eternity.I hope to walk upon and fight on the same battlefields He did.Please honor Him as the Brave Warrior He is.Fly young Brave with the mighty spirit of the Eagle.
It is the thing we do best as a people...we honor our dead as well as the living better than any other.
Rest now Marine Warrior and Pidamiya (thank you).