1979-06-15 Char-Koosta News

              DEDICA TION CEREMONIES A SUCCESS
With a livid-blue sky above, gentle breezes, an occasional drifting cloud-puff combined with the Mission Range background, no one would disagree that a more pleasant and beautiful day was possible for the Confederated Tribes' Dedication Ceremonies held June 1st, 1979.
Much preparation, organization and many volunteers contributing their time and assistance, made the whole day's total events possible and the momentous occasion that it was.
Master of Ceremonies and Tribal Secretary, Fred Houle, Jr., officially opened the ceremonies in his welcoming address. In a brief review, he explained how the relocation from the old Tribal Headquarters at the Dixon Sub-Agency to the Pablo Complex gradually evolved.
Following Secretary Houle's initial address, Francis Stanger, Chaplain of the Daniel Lawrence Pablo Post No. 68 of the American Legion, prayed the Our Father in native tongue.
Houle then went on to explain that there were two purposes for the Dedication Ceremonies. The second reason was to pay tribute to and honor tribal members (both living and deceased) who served their country in the military services. He informed everyone present, why the Veterans Monument was constructed on the Tribal Complex grounds shortly after the Daniel Lawrence Pablo Post No. 68 was formed in March, 1978.
Tribal Council Chairman, Tom E. Pablo, also addressed the visiting crowd, now and then injecting a sprinkling of good-natured teasing and humor. The all-Indian Pablo Post No. 68 was named in honor of Chairman Pablo's brother, who lost his life over Germany in World War II, while serving in the Royal
Canadian A ir Force. Sometimes we are prone to conceal and suppress deep emotions, so we can certainly understand the emotional sensitivity that Tom Pablo and all others present at the Dedication Cermeonies must have felt, who lost loved ones while serving their country.
A host of American Legion Officials and dignitaries were introduced, along with BIA Area Director, Anson Baker, who spoke a few words in recognition of the dedication. Montana Inter-Tribal Policy Board's Executive Director, Tom Whitford also attended and was introduced, as was flag-bearers, Camille Matt and Jack Glover.
Commander of Pablo Post No. 68, Raphael Bisson, noted in his address that the Dedication Cermonies was indeed fitting, in that President Carter had declared the period from May 28th to June 3rd, Veterans Week. He added that the Monument would be updated. Albert A. Miron, District No. 4 Commander of the Department of Montana and Alex Demchuk, Secretary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 24, from Cranbrook, British Columbia, both gave brief addresses.
Following Councilman Louie Adams'prayer in native tongue and English, there was a presentation by the Honor Guard representing the various services. Immediately after the heart-wrenching bugling of echo-taps, Councilman Lawrence Kenmille spoke a few words. The Dedication Ceremonies were then concluded, with Secretary Houle inviting everyone to enjoy open-house tours, the beefbarbeque and Indian exhibitions.
According to Vi McClure, Elderly Indian Coordinator, an estimated 1,250 people (paper-plate count) were served the beef barbeque dinner. Several lines were formed to expedite the huge crowd of hungry visitors. One hitchhiker left Highway 93 to mingle with the
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