Subscribe
"I was born and raised in Oglala, South Dakota which is on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. I lived there my whole life. And Jacksonville was the first place I lived away from there. I am full blood Lakota. That is my tribe, culture, language. And that one word defines everything, who we are and where we come from," said Black Horn.
The past may seem like an event that happened long ago, but this heritage can be passed down throughout generations and embedded in one's memories. Adapting to new demands in a modern world is a part of history as well.
"Often cultural heritage is lost or forgotten in the passing of time," said Black Horn. "I come from a strong family that does not waiver from these customs."
Recognition of these customs can be granted by many means, much like an award earned by a Sailor. Black Horn obtained her achievement in the form of a plume, which is bestowed upon an individual after receiving their Lakota name. Wanbli Ho Waste Win, which means Her Beautiful Voice Eagle Woman, is the tribe name given to her by her grandfather.
"They base it on you, what you have become and how they see you as a person growing up," said Black Horn. "My grandfather saw his mother in me, and believed that's what I was going to be."
As our nation changes through time, our military force rises to the challenge of new threats. A heritage in the service of that cause is something that will forever be endowed to us by those who have come before us to defend freedom and democracy around the world.
For more news from USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd7/.
| Date Taken: | 11.29.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.29.2017 08:42 |
| Story ID: | 260423 |
| Location: | US |
| Hometown: | OGLALA, SD, US |
| Web Views: | 5 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A Native Heritage of Service, by PO2 Joe Cardona Gonzalez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT