Memorial Day — GimIkwenimigoom
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May.
Native Americans serve in the U.S. Armed Forces at five times the national average. For a community that has persevered through decades of challenges, Native Americans have remained steadfast in their defense of the United States as members of the Armed Forces for centuries.
Band member Gina Davis submitted a photo she found while curating her family history. The photo is of her uncle Amik Eugene Davis sent to his mother. The heartwarming inscription on the back reveals the strength, courage, and honor of those who enter the United States military:
"To Mom, I hope you will like what I did. By joining the Army, I will protect all the people of the country the best way I can., but most of all I will fight for the Greatest people in my life, you, Mother, and all the Brothers and Sisters. Your Son, Gene Davis."
To those U.S. Veterans who have journeyed on, chi miigwech for your service. We remember you. Gimikwenimigoom.
The wall in the hallway at the Government Center portrays the multitude of Band members who have served in the U.S. Military. Please take some time to visit the hallway and read the names of those who have bravely served.
The annual Memorial Day Powwow will be held at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum on Monday, May 30, 2022. All are welcome to attend to honor our veterans. The event is free and open to the public.
Along with those Veterans who have served in the U.S. Military whose names appear at the Government Center, Band members submitted names and information for loved ones. Not all information is complete, but is listed as submitted. Not all families submitted photos.
Miigwech. Kenneth L Wade Sr., Marines 1955-1959 DOB 12/8/1937; DOD 10/11/2021 (indigenous day)
Dale John Pindegayosh, Marine Corp, Late 60s to 70s."American Indians. Fighting terrorism since 1492."
Larry Ivan Sutton, Army, Specialist Four HHC, 3RD BN, 8TH Infantry, 4TH INF DIV, USARV 06/03/46 to 07/23/67
Daniel W. Churchill, U.S. Army: 01/21/1971 to 01/12/1973; DOB: 12/11/1951 DOD: 9/22/1991.
Frank Shingobe Jr., U.S. Navy; "He was a proud Vietnam veteran." DOB: 08/09/47; DOD 10/05/13.
James Mitchell, Jr., U.S. Army: May 17, 1956 – April 29, 1959; DOB: 04/25/38 DOD: 10/13/03.
Rebecca T. Peel, US Army: 07/15/1986 to 03/31/2007; DOB: 03/10/65; DOD: 06/13/10.
Gregory A. Peel, U.S. Air Force: 06/8/84 to 05/03/2000 DOB: 06/14/66; DOD 07/28/20
Eugene Leonard Davis, 82nd airborne; DOB: 01/26/46; DOD: 07/20/14.
Names submitted through Facebook are:
Frank Hill Sr- Army WWII
Fred Noonday, Army WWII
Simon Day
Charles Moose
James Hanks Jr Army
David Smith Sr
Fred Smith
Tony Weous
James Clark
Larry Smallwood
Paul Sam
Robert H. Weyaus
Johnson Nayquonabe, Army
Myron Vernon Garbow
Lawrence Boyd Sr
Leonard Sam
Myron Vernon Garbow
Robert H. Weyaus
Lawrence Boyd Sr, “Naawakamig”
Jim Ballinger
Gimikwenimigoom. We remember you.
