Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
Quote of the Day: The Apache Scout
Sgt. Sinew L. Riley.
I came across this quotation in researching a comment I made in another post I wrote. I suppose I’m somewhat sentimental. I found this final goodbye to military service very moving. The last four White Mountain Apache Scouts retired from Fort Huachuca in 1947.
Published in HistoryIn 1947, the War Department ordered the retirement of the last four Scouts; one was Sgt. Sinew L. Riley. In his book, Fort Huachuca: Story of a Frontier Post, historian Cornelius Smith recorded Sgt. Riley’s moving words:
“We were recruited from the warriors of many famous nations. We are the last of the Army’s Indian scouts. In a few years we shall be gone to join our comrades in the great hunting grounds beyond the sunset, for our need here is no more. There we shall always remain very proud of our Indian people and of the United States Army, for we were truly the first Americans and you in the Army are now our warriors. To you who will keep the Army’s campfires bright, we extend our hands, and to you we will our fighting hearts.”
That is an extraordinary story and an extraordinary quote.
Oh, Doug.. how moving and beautiful. Thank you.
Thanks Doug. I had no idea the U. S. Army still had Indian scouts as late as 1947.
Amen.
Despite the conversation earlier in the PIT, this hit me in the feels. What us older folk call the gut.
I was born in, moved away from–several times–but continue to move back to, and still live in the American Southwest. I am exposed to the Indian spirit continually.
And I will collectively refer to them as “Indians” until the day I die. I know, and have known, many “Natives” through the years. And whenever I have asked them how them would like to be referred, ALL of them have said, “Unless you call us by OUR name (what they call themselves), call us Indians.”
God bless these Apaches, these Navajo*, these Hopi, these Sioux, these Americans who’ve chosen to put aside their “hyphenated Americanisms” to defend and strive for our country. God bless them.
I only wish their spirit lived in those who strive to divide us, so as to conquer us, today.
*Dene, just for the record. Which means, “the People”.
Thanks for posting this moving quote. Like Tigerlily I had no idea we still had Indian scouts as late as 1947.
Thanks, Doug.
Datum: The US Army Special Forces’ branch insignia is crossed arrows, in honor of the Indian scouts.
Ever heard the story about Joseph Medicine Crow?
No. That was awesome. Thanks, Percy.
Also applies to the main group of Code Talkers.
Start the New Year right by submitting a Quote of the Day post, the easiest way to start a fun conversation. We have many open dates on the January Schedule. We’ve even include tips for finding great quotes, so choose your favorite quote and sign up today!
From the link I posted, the young Sgt. Riley:
Apache Scout Sergeant Sinew L. Riley was the 3rd generation of his family to serve as a Scout for the US Army. In 1974, Riley Barracks on Fort Huachuca was named for him. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army Photo)
Named a barracks after him? That’s cultural appropriation! A violation as severe as the names of the Apache- Iroquois- Chinook- and Kiowa-helicopters.