Motorcyclists arrive at Hopi to honor veterans

Photo by Karen Francis/Navajo Nation Speakers Office
Jamie Platero and Tom White Jr. greet their hosts at the Hopi Veterans Center on May 17.

Photo by Karen Francis/Navajo Nation Speakers Office Jamie Platero and Tom White Jr. greet their hosts at the Hopi Veterans Center on May 17.

KYKOTSMOVI -- A solemn crowd waited and watched for the Hopi-Navajo Motorcyclists to arrive at the Hopi--Veterans--Center on May 17. Soon the sound of motorcyclists could be heard followed by--the arrival of motorcyclists two, three, four and five riding abreast. The--Veterans Center parking lot--was--quickly filled with 80 to 100 motorcyclists--lining the parking area.

Hopi Councilman and Veteran Clifford BalenquahQotsaquahu served as master of ceremonies and welcomed the cyclists as they drove up to honor fallen heroes as well as their fellow comrades. Motorcyclists in full leather and sporting black T-shirts from previous Honor Runs joined together to honor veterans.

The Hopi Council welcoming committee included Councilor and veteran Deanna Etnire, Councilor Phillip Quochaytewa, Jack Harding Jr. and Clifford Balenquah Quotsaquahu. Master of ceremonies Qotsaquahu made special mention of the Hopi Tribe's Code Talkers and introduced the surviving member of the team veteran Travis Yaiva from the village of Kykotsmovi. Hopi Councilman and veteran Phillip Quochaytewa said "my uncles is the oldest member of the Bear Clan from the village of Kykotsmovi."

Verna Begay, along with her husband John Morago, arrived--by way of Shiprock, N.M.

"My husband and I are here to honor veterans. I have family members that served in the military. We wanted to come out and show support--to the families" said Begay.

"It is very emotional. It gives you a great feeling to be here among other veterans and family members" said Morago. The duo traveled from--the Gila River Indian Community and assisted in organizing at Shiprock.

D. J. Yazzie of Shiprock said "I've been on every run. I plan on being on the sixth annual Honor Run as long as I am not buried underground."

He points to the back of his black T-shirt--which reads--"Riding for Lori."

"I'm riding for Lori," Yazzie adds. "The primary reason for the run is for Lori on behalf of other soldiers that have passed on. Every year we give the Piestewas a hug and give them thanks for their sacrifice."

Hopi Tribal Vice Chairman Todd Honyaoma said "The great number of people who are attending this activity demonstrates strong support for all veteran and their continued commitment to honor all our heroes especially Lori. I am glad to be here to support our veterans and their families. It is important that we recognize the sacrifice our boys and girls are making as well as their families. Lori's father is one of my uncle's and because of Lori's sacrifice we're committed to being there as a support system."

Royce Jenkins, veteran and director of the Hopi Office of Community Planning and--Economic Development, said "I am a retired army veteran. I served 22 years in the army and presently serve as Vice Commander for Hopi Post 80. The expression of care and support for veterans is what my daughter would describe as 'awesome.' Many veterans particularly those in the Viet Nam War never had the opportunity to experience the love and care fellow Americans have for the sacrifice of veterans. These type of events--will hopefully serve as--positive reinforcement to those families who have lost someone and to all veterans. We appreciate the many, many motorcyclists who have traveled from as far away as Oklahoma to be here--honor veterans."

Leon Corey, from Jamestown, a Marine Corp Veteran said "I do this because it is time to honor our Native American veterans who have served in our military. We had to do this in behalf of our fallen soldiers and comrades. This is a healing rite for veterans. It does really help Viet Nam Veterans. We sit with each other and talk about our experiences. They open up with each other. If someone is hurting real bad they open up. Civilians don't understand veterans. We have our own language. We understand each other more than a psychologist. We know where we hurt. It is in honor of all veterans that we participate in this run."

Navajo County Board of Supervisors Member Percy Deal said "I think it is great that the Navajo and Hopi are working together in remembrance of our veterans. This is a positive step which will assist in regaining veterans self respect as well as recognition for veterans of all wars and their families. The visit to the Piestewa family is a poignant and touching moment for all of us. Members of the military and their families contribute the highest sacrifice so that we can all enjoy our freedoms. I am honored to be included as a participant in these memorial services."

Navajo County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jesse Thompson along with Supervisor Deal presented a new passenger van to the Hopi Veterans.

Chairman Thompson said "Hopi Tribal Chairman Ivan Sidney came to us and said "The Hopi veterans need a van to transport veterans to the hospital at Winslow and to other appointments. Can you help them? The Board of Supervisors invited Hopi Post 80 to present their request to us and we were all moved by the presentation. We voted unanimously to assist the veterans and are proud to present this new van to the Hopi veterans for their use. This is quite an occasion for all veterans. I am proud to be here and that we were able to provide assistance."

Hopi Tribal Chairman Ivan Sidney and Vice Chairman Todd Honyaoma presented Certificates of Appreciation to County Supervisor Chairman Jesse Thompson and Supervisor Percy Deal for their support and assistance to veterans in behalf of the Hopi Tribe and Hopi Veterans Post 80. The Hopi Clansmen provided musical entertainment to the crowds.

Following the Hopi ceremonies the motorcycle delegation was joined by the Hopi veterans and together they drove to Tuba City for the Navajo Veterans ceremony and merged with additional motorcyclists. The ceremony commenced with Hopi veterans presenting the Hopi Proclamation to the Tuba City veterans along with a Hopi flag for their veterans center.

Hopi Councilman Phillip Quochaytewa said "The flag presentation was historic. A special ceremony was conducted in accepting and presenting the flag. Special permission was accorded allowing the Hopi, Navajo and other Native American veterans to present the flag jointly. Hopi and Navajo veterans served as the official welcoming committee.

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