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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2019)
S moke S ignals MAY 1, 2019 9 ‘This is beyond words’ VALOR continued from front page “This is beyond words,” he said after the ceremony had concluded. “To be honest, I am very humbled by it.” Hudson was nominated to receive the honorary quilt by Tribal Coun- cil member Steve Bobb Sr., a Viet- nam War-era Marine Corps veteran who previously received a quilt and then was asked to nominate a wor- thy veteran to receive one. “Junior, which he prefers to be called, is one of our beloved Tribal Elders,” Bobb said. “He represents our Tribe and people with majestic dignity and vigorous energy. He is one of the ‘Greatest Generation.’ ” Hudson is the Tribe’s fifth eldest Elder and the eldest male Elder. Quilts of Valor are indi- vidually made and World War II veterans are cur- rently being prioritized to receive them due to their advancing age. Friday’s ceremony began with a procession by the Grand Ronde Color Guard, followed by an honor song led by Cultural Advisor Bobby Mercier, Historic Preserva- tion Technician Nicolas Atanacio, Cultural Resources Department Manager David Harrelson, Cul- tural Protection Specialist Chris Bailey, Cultural Education Coor- dinator Jordan Mercier and Cul- tural Collections Specialist Nick Labonte. After an invocation by Air Force veteran and Tribal Elder Jerry George, Tribal Council Vice Chair Chris Mercier spoke to attendees. “I always feel really inadequate when I am asked to speak at these events,” he said. “Since I came back to the Tribal community, I have learned a lot about veterans, more Photos by Timothy J. Gonzalez Tribal Council Secretary Jon A. George worked on making a traditional dentalium necklace on Tuesday, April 16. The necklace is based at the colors of the World War II Victory medal and was presented to Herman Hudson during the Quilt of Valor ceremony held on Friday, April, 19. than at any other point in my life. I can’t imagine being 18 and serving in a time of war. Whenever we get a chance to honor veterans, we should jump at it. World War II, where Mr. Hudson served, was one of those times when the fate of the planet was hanging in the balance. On be- half of Tribal Council, I thank you.” Other Tribal Council members in attendance were Michael Langley and Secretary Jon A. George. Ma- rine Corps veteran Reyn Leno and General Manager Dave Fullerton also attended. Maureen Orr Eldred, the Oregon coordinator for Quilts of Valor, said that a passion for creating quilts Eastern Oregon University’s 49th Annual Powwow and Indian Arts Festival Specials: When: Hand Drum Men’s Slick Style May 17th and 18th Women Short Fringe Traditional Where: Quinn Coliseum, EOU La Grande Oregon Free Admission provides the organization’s volun- teers an opportunity to acknowl- edge veterans. “We quilters believe that the right way to handle any situation is to make a quilt,” she said. The Quilts of Valor Foundation was founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts, a nurse in Delaware whose son was serving in Iraq. The first quilt was awarded in November of that year at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to a soldier from Minnesota who lost his leg in Iraq. Since then, the foundation has awarded almost 213,000 quilts to military personnel and veterans. “We’re privileged to honor you today,” Eldred said to Hudson. “You served our country when asked and then returned without acknowl- edgement. Thanks for your service.” Smoke Signals file photo Navy veteran Herman Hudson served in the South Pacific during World War II, assigned to the USS Nevada. Hudson attended high school in Keizer and Salem until his junior year at Salem’s North High School, when he joined the Navy in 1942. He served in the South Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Nevada, escorting fleet oilers. He was discharged in 1945. The quilt, “From Sea to Shining Sea,” was designed in a medley of blues, creams and golds by Marianne Fons of Iowa, and pieced together by Tom Korn of Salem. After the quilt was wrapped around Hudson, he was gifted a traditional dentalium neck- lace made by Jon A. George, which was based on the colors of the World War II Victory medal. Hudson’s daughter, Kathryn Dunham of Lacey, Wash., wiped away tears as the ceremony ended. “I have no words,” she said. “He is the most amazing father ever and a caregiver to everyone and everything.” Gathering of Grand Ronde Tilixam May 21 – 23, 2019 Gymnasium 9:00am to 4:00pm Daily A community gathering to discuss historical and intergenera3onal trauma, historical and intergenera3onal wisdom, culture, iden3ty, healing and more! Register at hHps:/www.eventbrite.com/e/gona-‐ gathering-‐of-‐grand-‐gonde-‐3lixam-‐ 3ckets-‐60152865841 Or call Social Services at 503-‐879-‐2034 Lunch Provided Each Day Sponsored by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Social Services Department and facilita3on provided by the Na3ve Wellness Ins3tute.
