News SD National Guard, Lakota Nation mark new "Lakota" helicopter at Crazy Horse Memorial ceremony

Associated Press
May 16, 2011

The South Dakota National Guard and members of the Lakota Nation say a new helicopter could help promote unity.

A ceremony Sunday at the Crazy Horse Memorial marked the arrival of new "Lakota" Guard helicopters. The ceremony included a Native American blessing, singing and dancing, and a commemorative blast on the mountain carving of the Lakota warrior.

Guard Master Sgt. Kelly Moore says he's proud of what the Guard has done. U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem says it will "build and strengthen many relationships over the years."

Charles Murphy is chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in the Dakotas. He says "Lakota" is a word that will represent all the people in the seven tribes in the Dakotas and Nebraska, and he says they appreciate what the Guard has done.

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