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Program honors Sgt. Lucas White and family

By Maggie Plummer

The family members of Sgt. Lucas White appeared to be moved by Tuesday's honoring ceremony, which was held in the Tribal Council Chambers. (Rob McDonald photo)

PABLO — Amidst an hour-long honoring ceremony Tuesday that included colors by the Veterans Warrior Society, drum songs, the Flag song, prayers, a Flute Song, and a few talks, the family of the late Sgt. Lucas White was presented with symbolic Montana Citizen Coins.

Sgt. White was killed in action in Iraq in early November 2006.

Prior to the 1 p.m. ceremony, those in attendance made a large circle around the edges of the Tribal Council Chambers so that family members could shake everyone's hand as they entered the room.

Tribal Chairman James Steele welcomed everyone to the ceremony and the Chief Cliff Drummers and Singers performed songs for the standing-room-only crowd.

Local law enforcement and fire department officers, as well as members of the military, attended the program in dress uniform. Pete Denault presented the Pledge of Allegiance, and Sheriff's Captain Willis Hintz explained that the Montana Military Appreciation Project was behind the citizen coins presented to the family.

The special coin, a continuation of a tradition begun during World War I, features silver and the Great Seal of the State of Montana, which symbolizes that the citizens of Montana are presenting the coin to the family. The coin also includes the words "Proud of Our Troops," "Duty, Honor, and Courage," and "Thank You for Your Service to Your Country."

White, 28, who was killed by small arms fire and an improvised explosive device, had planned to make a career in the military. He was a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.