GRIC honors Memorial Day
Jeston Morris
Gila River Indian News
District 6 Elderly Department and Elderly Planning Committee, in collaboration with the Recreation Department, hosted the Memorial Day event at Kalka Park in Komatke on May 26.
Over 200 Community members participated in the Memorial Day event that kicked off with a walk/run. Private First Class (PFC) Azarrionna Harvey, Specialist (SPC) Lucio Acunia, and JROTC Cadet Nevaeh Blackwater posted colors.
Former Lt. Gov. Robert Stone preformed the opening blessing. Ms. Lehua Lani Dosela sang the National Anthem in O’otham, and Ezio Juan provided the Pledge of Allegiance in both English and O’otham. Miss Gila River Gabrielle Garcia delivered the welcoming remarks.
PFC Harvey and SPC Acunia are in the Army Reserve Unit in Phoenix and expressed the meaning of Memorial Day.
“To me, Memorial Day means remembering the fallen soldiers and all those who have served. This is my first experience with color guard and posting the flags.
Color guard is a pretty big deal to me because I have relatives who served during war. My great grandfather fought in war and he gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Harvey.
“Memorial Day means remembering the fallen soldiers and cherishing the sacrifice they gave so Americans can enjoy the freedom,” said Acunia.
Army Special Forces Veteran Gary Anderson Sr., provided the Memorial Day tribute to Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) members who served in the military. GRIC’s military contribution to the United States campaign is significant. It starts with the Apache Wars, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.
Anderson paid special tribute to First Lieutenant Dwight Thomas Blackwater, U.S. Army, who died of wounds from the unintentional detonation of a fragmentation grenade while serving in Vietnam.
Blackwater was posthumously awarded several military medals. A display case with Blackwater’s photo and his medals were presented to his sister, Joyce Lopez during the event.
The Community’s Veterans & Family Services Office (VFSO) donated the military presentation case, and Haskell Osife-Antone Post 51 provided the military awards.
Lt. Blackwater’s medal awards include:
1. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
2. Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
3. Vietnam Service Medal
4. National Defense Service Medal
5. Combat Infantryman Badge
6. Parachutist Badge
7. Ranger Tab
There are two GRIC veterans who are officers and Airborne Rangers. “One of them is First Lt. Rodney Lewis and the other one is First Lt. Dwight T. Blackwater,” said Anderson.
“Memorial Day is a day America set side to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, that is, their life,” said Anderson.
Jesse Sanchez, Whitney Sharpe, and Clarice Sundust publicly read the names of 205 veterans. Ch’chino Spirit Dance Group performed, followed by Estrella Mountain Bird Singers and Dancers. With flags lowered to half-staff, Waila Style 87 entertained during the lunch break. The event concluded with a national moment of silence.
“The purpose of hosting the Komatke District 6 Memorial Day was to remind our community why we celebrate our freedom and to also recognize who fought for us in wars. To teach our younger generation about the rich military histories and traditions and to recognize and honor our fallen warriors,” said Whitney Sharpe, District 6 Recreation Coordinator.
“The Komatke District 6 Memorial Day event is organized by the elders. The event was paused during COVID,” said Anthony Villareal, Community Council Rep. for District 6. “It’s really nice to see District 6 put on the Memorial Day event this year. I am certainly glad to be here and be part of the program.”