A special day of recollection and pride

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EDITORIAL

Remembrance Day. It's a day of recollecting thoughts of long ago when, thousands of miles across the sea, a war raged in Europe.

As we sit down to watch the Remembrance Day services on television, there is one face often missing from the crowd ? that of the Native soldier.

Many people are just not aware that in the First World War about 3,500 Indians enlisted and in the Second World War about 3,090. But these records are not complete as non-status and Metis people were not included.

Most Natives served in the infantry, and in the First World War in particular, Indian servicemen were famous on the front lines for their scouting and sniping ability, but particularly for their raiding parties.

One Indian, Frances Pegahmagabow, was the most decorated Indian in the Second World War and was considered the best sniper in the allied armies. Some accounts say he killed more than 350 enemy soldiers. According to records, Pegahmagabow kept a medicine bag by his side which he believed protected him.

Another Indian serviceman who received the Distinguished Conduct citation was Okanagan Indian George McLean, who according to records, captured 19 prisoners single-handedly, then fought off five men who were trying to capture his machine gun even though he was badly injured.

The stories of the bravery and courage of Native servicemen rival and often better many of their non-Native contemporaries. Yet, every year when Remembrance Day is celebrated, and the television cameras scan the crowds, the proud Indian who should be in line with his colleague's is missing. When the media repeat stories of valor, they never include the brave Native fighters' tales of victory and endurance.

But that shouldn't stop us from remembering this week. When we observe the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour of the eleventh day this year, remember the Native serviceman ? his endurance and his courage. Most of all, stand tall and remember your people with pride.