PAWHUSKA, OK – The Osage Veterans Memorial Commission is hosting a veterans appreciation reception at Wakon Iron Hall on Saturday, October 19, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. A selection of military-related items will be on view at Wakon Iron during the event. In addition, information tables to share veteran resources and program information from the American Legion Post 198, Grayhorse War Mothers, and Hominy War Mothers will be available. The reception is free and open to the public and will be catered by Osage cook Dana Daylight and her family.
“Last year, we hosted a reception to honor veterans, and it was so well-received that many veterans and their family members asked if we could make it an annual event,” said Commission member Frances Williams.
The reception is intended to demonstrate appreciation to the soldiers (past and present) who put their lives on the line to defend the freedom, peace, and prosperity of our country. The program will commence at 2:00pm with a welcome by Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, followed by the flag raising and flag song by American Legion Post 198 Color Guard and Norris BigHorse, along with a blessing by John Maker. At 2:30pm, the program will begin with the presentation, “Remembering Osage Veterans Who Have Passed On,” by John Henry Mashunkashey. This year, the Osage Veterans Memorial Commission will recognize James L. Redcorn, Jr. as the 2024 Osage Veteran Warrior of the Year. Redcorn enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1989 and served in the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Desert Storm.
“Our role as Commissioners is to maintain and update the Osage Veterans Memorial, which continues the tradition of remembering our warriors,” said the Marvin Stepson, Jr. “This community reception is part of that responsibility. It creates a space for people to come together, eat and share, and build comradery so that people won’t forget the numerous sacrifices of veterans.”
