Legacy Matters

Fallen Indian Warrior

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home.

Chief Tecumseh, Shawnee

Corporal Brett Lundstrom, Ogala Sioux, a descendant of Chief Red Cloud, grew up in the wake of warriors. He became a Marine, volunteering twice and served both in Afghanistan and Iraq. He told his friend Philip Underwood once, "I will die for you."

On his last trip to Colorado, he told his young cousin, "Live life while you can." Only 22, Corporal Lundstrom was killed by small arms fire on January 7th in Fallujah.

Twelve marines in spotless uniform were part of the procession accompanying the body of Corporal Lundstrom, also known as Lone Eagle.

As they crossed the line to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the local disc jockey read words by songwriter Wil Numenka,

Throughout time, American Indians have had to defend themselves and their way of life,
American Indian warriors have a long tradition of protecting their families, tribe and nation . . .
By tradition, American Indian people have always embraced their warriors upon their return from battle,
Embraced them in heart, embraced them in spirit . . .
We mourn, but honor the warriors who have given of their lives in the field of battle. We embrace their spirit, for they are our very breath of life.
Great Spirit, we ask of you to receive our warriors."

The traditional honors for a fallen warrior included a 42 hour wake and lasted nearly five days. The Marines posted watch in 30-minute shifts.

Many of the mourners brought handmade gifts including star quilts, and according to custom, the family gave them all away, wrapping each Marine in one.

"Value doesn't mean nothing to the family - earthly property, it doesn't mean nothing right now - it's life that has worth," said 82-year-old Sylvester Bad Cob, a World War II and Korean War veteran. "They give it out now, but they'll get it back someday."

The highest honor for bravery is an eagle feather. An Indian Vietnam Veteran, John Around Him, said,

"He earns the American flag from his government. He earns the eagle feather from his people."

I wept reading the story Wake for an Indian warrior in the Rocky Mountain News by Jim Sheeler and at the photographs by Todd Heisler.

Hat tip to Robin Burk at Winds of Change

With gratitude for your Great Legacy, RIP Lone Eagle.