On June 25, 1876,
the U.S. Army’s 7th cavalry, under the command of George
Armstrong Custer, moved against a village Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho where
they camped along the banks of the Greasy Grass Creek – called “Little Big
Horn” by the wasichus, in what is now Montana. The “surprise attack” had been
seen in a vision by Lakota religious leader, Sitting Bull. Led principally by Crazy Horse, the
Indians responded to the threat by mounting a decisive counter-attack (or, more
precisely an attack-on the –preparation) that wiped out the infamous Custer and
five companies of his regiment.
I always commemorate the day in some way, because it isn’t
often that the good guys win one, and even less often do they win in
spectacular fashion. I wonder whether one of my forebears participated in that
fight.
Previously, Custer had led an attack against a peaceful
village of Cheyennes living with Chief Black Kettle on the Washita River. They
were living there at the behest of the U.S. There was a white flag flying over one of the lodges, and
Black Kettle was reportedly displayed an American Flag he’d been given to show
that he was a “friendly” Indian, i.e., one who had conceded to the U.S.
government’s demands. Custer and
his men murdered around a hundred Cheyennes that day, including many women and
children. The slaughter was hailed
as a great victory
The Lakotas and their allies were fighting to protect their
homes and families and their freedom from invaders. Their only offense was
refusing to surrender to the demands of the United States government. Today, no
doubt, the U.S. would call them “terrorists.”
What’s that they say about history repeating itself?
sj
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