Page 4 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - November, 2018

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Curtis DuPuis speaks and service members and their families share a
meal during the 17th annual Veterans Day Appreciation Dinner on Nov. 11.

Powerful night pays respect to veterans

Dinner honors brave said he is honored to have been provided assistance wherever while serving in the Marines.
citizens for service selected for the ceremony the it was needed. Everyone stood After being discharged, he
and applauded the group of
stumbled into a career as an
past 14 years. The powerful
ceremony symbolizes the POWs volunteers for their hard work. actor. He admitted he wasn’t a
By Fred Shortman
who didn’t make it home. Elder and Veterans Committee celebrity but made a living. The
Military veterans and their The round table is arranged member Gloria Jones conducted in-depth stories he delivered
loved ones gathered at Lucky with a white tablecloth, single the raffle drawings. As Jones read brought fits of laughter to the
Eagle Casino & Hotel’s Event plate setting, wine glass off numbers, volunteers brought crowd as they listened intently.
Center for the 17th annual (inverted), salt shaker, slice of prizes to winners’ seats.
Veterans Day Appreciation lemon on a bread plate with a Beaming with pride
Dinner on Sunday, Nov. 11. pile of spilled salt, small vase Entertaining stories Gary Waer, Veterans Day
The dinner was hosted by the with single stem red rose, yellow The guest speaker of the Appreciation Committee
Chehalis Tribe and Lucky Eagle. ribbon tied around vase, lit evening was Cecil Cheeka, a member, led the Recognition of
Chehalis Tribal Police Sgt. Jake candle and an empty chair. descendent of both the Squaxin Branches. He announced each
Dickerson served as the MC and Makah tribes. He also is a branch of services and requested
for the event. He thanked the Deserving recognition veteran who served in the U.S. members stand to be recognized
veterans and welcomed everyone. Chehalis Tribe Chairman Marines during the Vietnam War. with thunderous applause.
Veterans stood and saluted Harry Pickernell Sr. delivered Mr. Cheeka’s humble, light- After Rebecca Ambrose
the colors as they were placed an inspirational speech as hearted and humorous outlook sang America the Beautiful, the
on the stage, and the Chehalis he described how military made the evening entertaining. evening ended as everyone stood
Tribal Royalty led the Pledge personnel continue to protect He shared his story about and witnessed the flags being
of Allegiance. This set the tone the freedoms celebrated in this joining the Armed Forces and retired. Chehalis tribal veterans
for a patriotic evening honoring country. This is a day to stand described a lasting impression of marched out of the room
all veterans. Special guest Bart united in respect for those who his boot camp drill sergeant. beaming with pride. Marie Bird
Herigstead followed the royalty served the in U.S. military forces. He talked about his duties closed with a prayer.
by singing the National Anthem. He explained that the
Chehalis Tribal Elder and sacrifice, commitment and
veteran Curtis DuPuis was the unselfish act in protecting this
first speaker. He reminded country and providing the YOUTH CLASSES
everyone that Veteran’s Day is a opportunity to celebrate together
time to pay respect to those who deserve recognition. Tsapowum Chehalis Tribal Behavioral Health will be engaging
have served in the US military. Tribal member Marie Bird with ages 12 and older Fridays from 2-4:30 p.m. to promote
He thanked all veterans for prayed for the food. The casino awareness and suicide prevention! Here is the schedule:
the services and sacrifices they and the Chehalis Tribal Fisheries
made in protecting the American Program prepared the meal for n Teen dating violence: First Friday of each month
people. DuPuis explained that the evening. Fish was cooked n Substance abuse: Second and fourth Fridays
it’s important to continue to pray in the traditional Chehalis style
for all of the Prisoners of War over an open fire at the fish pit. n Suicide prevention and awareness: Third Fridays
(POWs) who never returned While everyone finished We will follow the schedule of tribal or
home from war and those their meal, MC Jake Dickerson Youth Center closures.
currently missing in action. acknowledged the people who
Remembering those lost made this special evening For additional information or if you do
NOT want your child to participate, please
possible. He gave recognition to
Kenneth C. Wojozynski the Veterans Day Committee. contact us at 360-709-1818.
performed POW ceremony A He also gave a special shout-
Place Setting for One. Wojozynski out to all of the volunteers who