This Picture Brought Tears To My Eyes....

[Virginia Dare]

Does anybody know what the sympolism of the feather is?



During the burial of Army Staff Sgt. Lucas White at Arlington National Cemetery, his grandfather Five Crows holds a feather. He later led a Native American ceremony in traditional dress. Next to him is White's father, Mervin White. (By Susan Biddle -- The Washington Post)

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Sad on so many counts. Native Americans fighting in our imperial wars.

The wisdom of the Native Americans pushed aside by the greed that rules our country. The loss of a grandson.

[Fierce]

2. Depending on the tribe,

it often symbolizes brave deeds.

[Philosoraptor]

3. that is one powerful image

a Pulitzer prize winner for sure. Almost as if Norman Rockwell had painted it.

so so sad

[Viva_La_Revolution]

4. means different things to different tribes...

Eagle feathers are often used to purify or send prayers.

[bigtree]

5. different meanings for different tribes, clans

sacred

[JuniperLea]

6. Blessing feathers

To the Piute...

Always sacred...

Tears here too.

[Lex]

7. The hands at the bottom reaching up

in the print on his coat are striking too.

A very powerful image captured here.

[Horse with no Name]

8. It's for bravery--some more pictures for another fallen Native American

All warriors receive a feather when they return from battle.
Marine Cpl. Brett Lundstrom, who was killed in Iraq on January 7, 2006.
American Indians have the highest per-capita participation in the armed services of any ethnic group. Lundstrom’s father, Ed, now retired, was a career Marine.

[Virginia Dare]

10. Thank you for posting those...

so painfully symbolic.

[Horse with no Name]

21. Yes they are

And the one that is lying on top of his dead hands is especially symbolic.
We have betrayed our soldiers.

[Solly Mack]

9. the eagle is sacred as it represents life/death

man/woman peace/war love/hate - the duality..ying and yang

That's an eagle feather...a bald eagle (legal for Native Americans to possess)

Used in religious ceremonies....the dead are often buried with an eagle feather.


edit to add: it's because of the coloring - 2 shades dark/light (duality)

[Sugar Smack]

11. That was very powerful.

And so terribly sad.

[Mad_Dem_X]

12. Heartbreaking...

No other word for it.

[TygrBright]

13. The First People here in America have so, so, much to give...

...and they give it so generously, even after centuries of genocide, oppression, marginalization, and ignorance.

They shame me.

Someday I hope the rest of us realize the strength and value of this treasure in our midst, this treasure we have so callously cast aside, ignored, and tried to destroy. They show us, every day, so many important things about living on this part of the Earth, about family and community, about faith and, yes "values," about suffering and redemption, about humor and grief and anger and joy.

We will need to remake our society, in drastic measure, as the damage we've done to the earth accumulates and climate change, resource exhaustion, etc., catch up with us.

I hope the First People will continue to offer their strength and experience and accumulated wisdom then.

sadly,
Bright

[phusion]

18. Very well said...

Thanks.

:hi:

[Hissyspit]

14. Lumbee Indian Lt. Joshua Deese - my former student:

I posted about him previously. I found this post written by his girlfriend:

http://www.legacy.com/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=19608419

October 28, 2006
To the family of Captain Adcock:
I did not know him, but my boyfriend 1Lt. Joshua Deese did. He past the same week as Shane did. I remember Joshua being on a gag order for two days where he couldn't call, this happens when someone has died. So when he finally was able to call it was on a Friday and he told me a captain had died and he was only married for a few months. I remember feeling so sorry for your family. Joshua died two day later on that Sunday. I know what you all are going through. So, please accept my empathy. Josh and i had planned on getting married when he returned we have a two year old son. I feel connected to this family for some reason. Reading about Captain Adcock he and his wife was married on my birthday and she is a student and I also a student ant UNC-Pembroke. So if ever Mrs. Adcock needs to talk to someone who maybe will understand first hand the misery she is going through please contact me.
Andrea Anderson (Maxton, NC )

MORE

[Raster]

15. Nine.

Damn you george bush*. Damn you.

[puerco-bellies]

16. Brave deeds, or extrodinary actions.

Eagle feathers can only be given to a person. It is acceptable to posses one if you have found it. That is considered a gift from the creator. Even then a person has to feel confident enough of his inner strengths and previous actions to display or use it.

[Crim_n al]

17. The eagle feather is symbolic of wings

with which to fly to the next world.

In showing the eagle feather, Five Crows is sending a message to Lucas,
telling him to forget his body, to let go and fly on.

And, by doing that, he is emotionally letting go of his grandson,
setting him free.

(edited for spelling.)

[Virginia Dare]

19. Damn, you just made me cry again...n/t

[Crim_n al]

20. Tears bring honour to the fallen.

:grouphug: