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SENECA NATION OF INDIANS DEDICATES VETERAN'S MEMORIAL - Sixteen Native veterans awarded Purple Heart at ceremony
NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK - The Seneca Nation of Indians celebrated Veterans Day by honoring those who have defended freedom over the course of history.
At a special ceremony, Seneca Nation President Barry E. Snyder, Sr. was joined by Seneca Nation Treasurer Maurice John, himself a Vietnam Veteran, and members of several area Veterans Associations in dedicating a Veteran's Memorial outside of the Seneca Office Building in Niagara Falls.
"Today, we honor the brave Seneca men and women, and other members of the Iroquois Nations who have courageously and selflessly fought for freedom in every corner of the world," Snyder said. "This memorial stands as a reminder for all of us of the courage, dedication and sacrifice that our veterans have showed throughout history and continue to show today."
Members of the Seneca Nation have played a role in many of the major battles that have shaped history, serving in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Today, it is estimated that there are 26 soldiers from the Seneca Nation's two territories who have served or are currently serving duty in Iraq and the Middle East.
"Throughout our history, the Seneca soldiers have never backed away from the responsibility to fight for freedom and defend the honor of our homeland," John said. "Some have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we should remember and honor them today and every day. But we also must pray for the safe return of those who continue to fight."
Participating in the ceremony were members of the Seneca Nation Veterans Iroquois Post #1587; Six Nation Veterans Association; Hamilton Legion Bag Pipes/Drum Corp.; Black Rock Honor Guard; and American Legion Post #1041.
A wreath was placed at the Veteran's Memorial by Snyder and Charles Nephew, Commander of Iroquois Post #1587. The ceremony also featured the traditional Burial at Sea and the playing of Taps.
After the dedication ceremony, Snyder presented the Purple Heart Award to sixteen Native Veterans during a luncheon at Seneca Niagara Casino. The veterans were awarded the Purple Heart for their service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq.
Those receiving the Purple Heart Award were: Sgt. Bradley N. Jimerson, U.S. Army (Vietnam); Pfc. Lloyd A. Mohawk, U.S. Army (Vietnam); Sgt. Richard G. Sweet, U.S. Marine Corps (Vietnam); 2nd Lt. Richard Kane, U.S. Air Force (Korea); Sgt. Richard J. Lukonaitis, U.S. Marine Corps (Vietnam); Cpl. Norman C. White, U.S. Army (WWII, Korea); Pfc. Duane Maybee, U.S. Marine Corps (Vietnam); and Sgt. Gene R. Reid, U.S. Marine Corps (Vietnam).
Also: Sgt. Lee Stafford, U.S. Army (Vietnam); Sgt. Richard Kennedy, U.S. Army (Vietnam); Sgt. Dave Sylvester, U.S. Army (Vietnam); Spec. 4 Ernest Kraft, U.S. Army (Vietnam); Cpl. Jack E. Walker, U.S. Marine Corps (Vietnam); Cpl. Jesse Twoguns, U.S. Army (Iraq); Sgt. Dean G. Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps (Vietnam); and Spec. 4 William S. Jones, U.S. Army (Vietnam).
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