CENTENNIAL, Colo. – Three Colorado Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters attempted to land at the Wounded Knee massacre site at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Pine Ridge, S.D., May 1, as part of an educational visit, but were unable to land due to a protest.
The attempted landing was part of a pre-planned trip that was approved by the Oglala Sioux tribal leadership and the Tribal President Theresa B. Two Bulls.
The COARNG received a written invitation from Two Bulls and elders to land on the battlefield.
According to a press release from the Oglala Sioux Tribe, what was intended to be an educational and historical presentation to the Colorado Army National Guard by local historians at the Wounded Knee massacre site resulted in a protest by community members.
After the lead aircraft landed, people began to surge toward the aircraft. A take-off call was made and the helicopters departed for Rapid City, S.D., said Col. Joel Best, COARNG state Army aviation officer.
"We were kindly invited by the president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and we welcome the opportunity to participate in paying tribute to those who lost their lives there," said Maj. Gen. H. Michael Edwards, the adjutant general of Colorado.
"As a 150-year-old, community-based organization, we value heritage and the importance of remembering those who came before us. Due to our concern for the safety of citizens on the ground, who were closely observing our arrival, we chose to depart the area."
The COARNG understands the importance of this site to the Native Americans and especially the Lakota tribe.
"While the Battle of Wounded Knee is a dark chapter in the history of the Army, without learning from the mistakes of our past we are doomed to repeat them. This trip was taken to better understand our shared histories, and we hope those who protested the visit can begin to understand our motives," said Army Capt. Michael Odgers, COARNG public affairs officer. "It's unfortunate that this valuable learning opportunity was lost, and we sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding this visit created."
The helicopters represent Company A, 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation, Colorado Army National Guard, and are based at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo.
For more than 150 years the Colorado National Guard has served communities across Colorado while defending our nation. The Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen of the Colorado National Guard are always ready, always there.
| Date Taken: | 05.01.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.04.2010 15:06 |
| Story ID: | 49124 |
| Location: | CENTENNIAL, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 372 |
| Downloads: | 284 |
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