Dancers make their Grand Entry on Friday at the third annual Las Vegas Intertribal Veterans Powwow at Silver Bowl Sports Comlex. More than 3,000 people from at least 100 Indian nations are expected to attend the three-day event. Photo by Ralph Fountain.
Warriors Medal of Honor
Today, those who fought for America will be honored by those who originally inhabited America.
The Warriors Medal of Valor will be awarded to more than 200 military veterans as part of this weekend's third annual Las Vegas Intertribal Veterans Powwow at the Silver Bowl Sports Complex.
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"It's a real healing ceremony," Angel Bernard, the event's co-chairwoman, said Friday. "In healing our veterans, we help heal society."
Most recipients of the medal, administered by the National American Indian Veterans group, are American Indians from Southern Nevada. But the award is open to anyone who served in the U.S. military, regardless of ethnicity, according to Bernard.
"All veterans are honored," Bernard said. "If you were willing to put your life on the line for the rest of the country, you deserve this honor."
The medal ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the park at 6800 E. Russell Road, as part of the powwow which started Friday and continues through Sunday.
"We've got veterans coming in from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, you name it. They're coming in from all over," Bernard said. "One is coming all the way from Washington state.
"We'll have several World War II veterans. Korean War vets. Vietnam, of course. Desert Storm. Iraq. Veterans of all wars will be honored."
More than 3,000 people and representatives from at least 100 Indian nations are expected to attend the three-day event, which will include roughly three dozen native arts, crafts and food booths.
The event's signature "grand entries" are scheduled for noon and 6 p.m. today and noon Sunday.
