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About Siletz news letter. (Siletz, Oregon) 1989-1997 | View Entire Issue (June 1, 1994)
June 1994 S Memorial Day 1994 By: Teresa Miller The clouds parted and the sun shown brightly on this year's Siletz Tribal Memorial Day Celebration held on Government HSU. Due to inclement weather, the past two years it's been difficult for families,to clean and decorate Paul Washington Cemetery. Because of this, many people got an early start this year and the end result was beautiful. We had a good turnout for this year's event which began on time (almost). The procession to thfe Veteran's Memorial was led by the Honor Guard to the sounds of the Dancing Again Singers. Tribal Chairman Delores Pigsley opened the ceremony followed by the invocation by Buster Lane. The Manorial Day address was given by Peter Downey. Siletz Royalty made the presentation of wreaths to the Memorial from each area office and the Elders, with the assistance of Tribal Elder Pauline Ricks acting as announcer. Many individuals presorted flowers which were provided by the Elders in honor of deceased loved ones. Sisters JoAnn Miller and Jean Garrett sang a song in Chinook Jargon and encouraged the audience to sing along. (As always, they were on key, we weren't). Ceremonies concluded with taps played by Michael Hernen and the gun salute by the honor guard. Those acting as honor guard this year were: Ray Blacketer, Steve Rife, Rodney Bal, Delbert Bell and Walt Klamath. Flag bearers were Tom Downey, Ronald Butler, and Gilbert Towner. Frank Simmons acted as Drill Master. Following the ceremony, the Sacred Lands Preservation Committee provided a dinner at the Tribal Carter which included baked salmon. Agnes and Grant Pilgrim did a terrific job of traditionally preparing the salmon over an open fire. J Procession from the Tribal Community Center to Paul Washington Memorial Siletz Royalty present the wreaths. A Chinook Jargon Hymm Come, Come, Come, Ko-pa, mitlite hyas klose tillicum mitlite hyas klose tillicum (come, behold very good relatives) mitlite hyas klose tillicum (at above chiefs place [heaven]) sahailie tyee, illahee Wake - laley, mesiga nanitch Wake - laley, mesiga nanitch Wake - laley, mesiga nanitch .Ko-pa, sahailie tyee, illahee Hiyu mesiga tillicums mitlite Hiyu mesiga tiliicums mitlite Hiyu mesiga tillicums mitlite Ko-pa, sahailie tyee illahee Sisters JoAnn Miller and Jean Garrett offer a song Wake - laley, mesiga nanitch Wake - laley, mesiga nanitch Wake - laley, mesiga nanitch Ko-pa, sahailie tyee illahee (not long, you all will see) (at above chiefs place [heaven]) (many you all relatives have) (at above chiefs place [heaven]) (not long, you all will see) (at above chiefs place [heaven]) Peter Downey gave the Memorial Day address.
