Sokaogon Chippewa Community News
Memorial Day Ceremony Honors Fallen Warriors
Posted on: May 30, 2019
The annual Mole Lake Veteran’s Department Memorial Day Ceremony was held on Monday, May 27th, at the Mole Lake Conference Center. Over 60 community members attended for a drumming ceremony and lunch to honor fallen Veterans and warriors.
Robert VanZile, Jr., gave a prayer in Ojibwemowin and spoke of the importance of remembering our ancestors who gave their lives in conflicts throughout our history.
After lunch there were drawings for prizes which included American flags, Mole Lake Casino promotional play and decorative household items.
Dean VanZile, the Sokaogon Chippewa Community Veterans Service Officer, has organized this event for over five years. Dean learned from Robert “Bones” VanZile, Sr., how to honor Veterans every Memorial Day by putting flags on grave sites at the cemetery.
Dean would like to thank Tribal Veterans Carl VanZile, August VanZile, Pete McGeshick, III, Art VanZile, Richard Ackley, Jr., Chris McGeshick and Michael Justice for carrying the flags at Monday’s ceremony.
Dean would also like show appreciation to the Mole Lake Casino for donating shirts for the Tribal Veterans, the Swamp Creek Broz for drumming services, the Sokaogon Chippewa Tribal Council for their help with purchasing gifts, Randy and the staff at the Conference Center for doing an outstanding job, and the community members who brought food and attended the event.