Veterans Feast planned for Nov. 5

Observer Staff

10/28/2005 12:00:00 AM

Veterans Day-Nov. 11-honors those who have served in the U.S. military.

The Anishnabe Ogitchedaw Veterans and Warrior Society will recognize all veterans while paying tribute to Civil War veterans with a feast on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. in the Swan Creek Black River Rooms at the Soaring Eagle Resort.

Keynote speaker John Bailey will speak about the Michigan Sharpshooters Company K, while "Honoring Our Civil War Vets," during the event.

A Veterans Benefits Fair will also take place on Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Swan Creek Black River Rooms at the Soaring Eagle Resort. Additional information on the benefits fair is located on page 9.

Originally established as Armistice Day in 1926, Veterans Day commemorated the 1918 signing by the Germans of the truce ending World War I.

After World War II, there were many new veterans who had little or no association with World War I. Leaders of various veterans' groups lobbied to make Nov. 11 a day to honor all who had fought in various American wars-not just World War I. Armistice Day was changed was changed to Veterans Day by a U.S. Congressional Act on May 24, 1954.

In that same year, President Eisenhower called on all citizens to observe the day by remembering the sacrifices made by all in the name of democracy.

Fueled by pride, scores of Native Americans pay tribute and respect to family traditions by serving in the military.

"Honoring our warriors has always been a tradition and custom of our ancestors," stated Okima I Harold Gould of the Anishnabe Ogitchedaw Veterans and Warrior Society. "The interrelationship of the Ogitchedaw and our Tribe has always been indisputable. No Nation can exist without its members being willing to sacrifice their time, energy and perhaps give up their lives for our people. We as a Tribe have always been honored to have people willing to sacrifice, to protect our way of life, our families and our lands."

As a way to honor some of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan's veterans, several of their "Veteran Valor" profiles are being reprinted beginning on page 6.