The Cheyenne River Veterans (CRV) are honored to be the Caretakers of one of three 9-11 flags that flew on the Twin Towers. This US flag was given to the Cheyenne River Veterans to be shown in public as a remembrance flag for the War on Terrorism that is continuing today. The US flag still has soot and ash from the smoke during this tragic day in US history. Since being presented with this flag, the CRV has traveled over 70,000 miles with this 9-11 flag across the USA from New York to Arizona to present during Pow Wows, Parades, and Special military events. The CRV will only present the 9-11 flag after receiving an Invitation Letter requesting the Cheyenne River Veterans by honorarium status to be part of any organization, club, or event function. We have a 9-11 log book for all to sign that have invited the Cheyenne River Veterans.

This flag has a lot of meaning for the Cheyenne River Veterans as the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has lost two of its tribal members during the War on Terrorism. The twp tribal members are PFC Sheldon R. Hawk Eagle, US Army; he died 11-15-03. The other is CPL Tanner J. O’Leary, US Army; he died 12-9-07. The veterans of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe also participated in the Honoring of the Last Military Rites for three other Fallen Comrades, SP4 Lora Piestewa, US Army – Hopi (died 3-23-03), CPL Brett L. Lundstrom, US Marines – Lakota (died 1-07-06), and CPL Nathan J. Goodiron, US Army National Guard – Three Affiliated Tribes/Lakota (died – 11-23-06).

The Cheyenne River Veterans has a Traditional Flag (Eagle Feather Staff) that is called a Red Feather Staff and this is used in all of our activities to lead out the group. There is an Eagle plume tied on the Red Feather Staff that represents and Honors our American Indian Woman soldier, the latest would be the Deceased veteran Lora Piestewa, Hopi. The Head-dress worn with Honor by the Staff carrier was gifted to the Cheyenne River Veterans by the family of Nathan Goodiron, Three Affiliated Tribes/Lakota. There is a Red Eagle Feather tied on to the Red Feather Staff and this was gifted by the family of Tanner O; Leary, Lakota. The Red Feather Staff honors those of our veterans that have fought and died in past campaigns or are currently fighting or have lost their lives in the US Armed Forces today.

This Flag was most recently displayed at President Obama’s Inauguration in Washington, DC and will be taken anywhere the Honor Guard is asked to attend. This flag is a Traveling Remembrance Flag for all the people and soliers that we have lost since 9-11.

BISMARCK (UTN) – Honor songs, gun salutes, a special flag and reverence for the fallen were part of the observance of the “National Day of Service and Remembrance” on Sunday, September 11 during the United Tribes International Powwow.

Ceremonies in the dance arbor on the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 honored civilians and military personnel who lost their lives in the attacks and those who served in the military since.

TEN YEAR REMEMBRANCE: During a ceremony on September 11, 2011 at the United Tribes International Powwow in Bismarck, military veterans unfolded and displayed a large flag that was flying over the World Trade Center when the building was attacked on 9/11. DENNIS J. NEUMANN<>United Tribes News

The highlight was the unfolding and display of a U. S. Flag that was flying over the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City when the buildings were destroyed.

“We appreciate the opportunity to have this flag on our campus,” said David M. Gipp, United Tribes Technical College president, a military veteran who helped unfold the 15 by 20 foot banner and carry it around the powwow dance arbor during an honor song.

“As we opened up this flag, I could smell the smoke and the dust,” said Gipp speaking to the powwow audience. “The memory of that event that took place 10 years ago is fresh yet on this flag.”

Gipp was in New York City only a few weeks following the attack. He said he remembers the smell of smoke and dust in lower Manhattan, “and unfortunately, the smell of death.”

“Today the country is memorializing those who lost their lives in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania,” he said. “We are honored to join in by witnessing the display of this flag here in Bismarck. It’s a sad occasion but one that reminds us of the freedom we have to gather here in peace and harmony.”

The large stars and stripes was one of three flags flying over the Twin Towers on 9/11, according to the Cheyenne River Veterans Association, the group that brought the flag. A replica flag was gifted to United Tribes.

Cheyenne River Veterans continue to remember and honor two members of their tribe killed in the country’s war on terrorism since 9/11. PFC Sheldon R. Hawk Eagle, US Army, died in 2003 and CPL Tanner J. O’Leary, US Army, died in 2007. Cheyenne River Veterans have also participated in the honoring or last military rites for three other fallen comrades: SP4 Lori Piestewa (Hopi), US Army, 2003; CPL Brett L. Lundstrom (Lakota), US Marines, 2006; and CPL Nathan J. Goodiron (Three Affiliated/Lakota), US Army National Guard, 2006.

Also participating in the powwow’s 9/11 observance were veterans from other color guard units: Standing Rock, Three Affiliated, Sisseton-Wahpeton, Turtle Mountain, Spirit Lake and United Tribes Technical College.