Eisenhower tree takes root

Symbolic sapling honors Native

American vets

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

MORTON -- New Ulm veterans organizations planted an "Eisenhower" tree Thursday afternoon in a cemetery at the Lower Sioux Indian Reservation.

The sapling grew from seeds that fell from a tree that shaded the Texas birthplace and home of former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. A U.S. General and statesman, Eisenhower was America's 34th president, from 1953-1961.

The tree was planted to honor Lower Sioux veterans, including four who died in World War II -- Raymond Coursolle, Norman Dow, Louis Llemmingen and George Wabasha. The men's names are engraved on a monument just west of where the Eisenhower tree was planted.

The tree was dedicated to all Lower Sioux veterans and all Native Americans who fought for America, New Ulm Veteran of Foreign Wars Commander Will Burdorf said.

He urged those attending the ceremony to see the movie "Windtalkers" which premiers June 14. The movie centers on Native American veterans and their language that became one of America's secret wartime codes. The code was never broken by the enemy and helped the Allies win the war.

Burdorf said it was the duty of those that returned from the war to honor those that did not.

"We need to remember the price paid for our freedom. Remember, freedom is not free," Burdorf said.

New Ulm Mayor Arn Koelpin thanked the Lower Sioux in a spirit of honor and appreciation.

"Like a nation, this tree will live as a living monument, honoring those of the Dakota Nation that served," Koelpin said. "The tree is an operation of peace, part of Operation Silent Witness, memorializing the unforgettable sacrifices made by those that served."

Silence will bring a certain calmness to protect generations to come, Koelpin said. The tree is a silent sentinel of the community. It will call out to those that gave their lives so their spirits might rest in peace, he said.

After all Lower Sioux veterans in attendance shared in breaking ground for the tree, Vietnam vet and tribal pipe carrier Dave Larsen talked about tribal rituals.

Larsen and Norman Sutton, both of Morton and descendants of the men on the monument, burned sage. As part of a tribal ritual, they offered the sage smoke to all present for the cleansing of their spirits.

"We want to do our part too," Larsen said.

While Sutton played the drum, Larsen sang Native American music.