Pipe Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Marks 17th Year

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – A traditional pipe ceremony was held in front of The American Indian Vietnam Plaque, in Section 8 of Arlington National Cemetery, on Sunday.

National Youth Alliance Sponsored the Pipe Ceremony

The pipe ceremony was held to honor veterans of all conflicts. This is the seventeenth year that the ceremony was held on a day during November close to Veterans Day.

“As we began preparing the alter space there was a calling song played on flute and a eagle was flying above,”

commented spokesperson Chris Colvin.

“All were encouraged to stand up and share about what brought them there.”

A song was rendered by Red Buffalo Drum and the pipe was lit and shared, after which cedar was burned as a blessing for all. Taps was played on trumpet by Mary Phillips in loving memory of her father Vietnam veteran, Ashly Phillips, and all veterans of all conflicts.

The ceremony was sponsored by the National Youth Alliance.

posted November 20, 2012 6:50 am est