DuckFoot62

I have a question. Is it O.K. to have a Firefighter serve as a Honor Guard for opening ceremonies at a POW WOW? The Firefighter in our country have seen a lot of front line action with the attacks on the world trade center. That day alone they lost 343 members defending and protecting the American way. So, is it an exceptable practice to allow Sworn Firefighters to carry the flags?

hobbs49

Hi DuckFoot! Welcome!

I've noticed that out here in the mid-atlantic states that often times police and firefighters will be recognized with veterans. It's not done at every powwow, I think it is often up to the MC to decide to call these people out. However, I've also noticed that these folks are generally called last. So if it were my powwow, I'd first try to find military veterans to carry flags, and if for some reason, I couldn't find any, I'd then consider a first responder. That's just my opinion though. I'm sure that there will be other opinions coming soon

soopashinaab

I agree with Hobbs49 a first responder carries alot of respect, but the veterans of foreign wars are usually placed at the top, especially someone who has killed the enemy. You'll find there are different levels to being a veteran, usually one that has killed an enemy with his own two hands, and not a rifle carries the most respect, I know of two individuals that are part of the honor guard here on my rez that could make that claim.

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Josiah

I can only speak for Oklahoma Powwows and then too I may be corrected also
In my experience they look for Veterans first and dont typically seek out Firefighters
They do have alot of respect but if they had not served in the armed forces they are not Veterans.
Which is who we want to properly take care of the flag.
From the day we enter service, we are all taught how to take care of, respect and finally we draped with it when we are buried. That is a life long commitment.

Yes down here they look for combat veterans to carry the American flag and then just veterans if none around. Occasionally at big powwows will have all the different branch flags and I have had the honor to carry in the Navy Flag and the Oklahoma State Flag

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CHEROSAGE

I personally don't see anything wrong with honoring the Firefighters and Lawenforcement people. This would be a Committee decission to acknowledge these people specially.

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BOB

Tom Iron Eagle

Considering that the attacks of 09/11/2001 were and have been declared an Act of War having First Reponders carry a flag should be a great honor.