On May 7, 2022, a visit from our National American Legion Auxiliary President, Kathy Daudistel was hosted by the Young Hawk/Bear American Legion and Auxiliary Unit Post #253. The first stop was at the Old Scouts Cemetery, which is west of White Shield, ND. Flags came into the cemetery, there was a short program and the National American Legion Auxiliary President, along with our North Dakota Auxiliary President, laid a wreath for all the deceased veterans. Then, Daudistel viewed the Young Hawk/Bear American Legion and Auxiliary Post 253 building and the White Shield Arikara Cultural Center where history and artifacts are on display.

To the left – Next, they moved onto the new Ralph Wells Jr. Community Center where a meal was prepared and served by the Young Hawk/Bear Post 253 ALA. During the meal MHA Nation Chairman Mark N Fox spoke to the crowd and presented Daudistel with a Satin Star Quilt & Pendleton noting the honoring behind the giving of gifts to our visitors.

The program followed in the gym, Young Hawk/Bear Post 253 brought in the colors with the ALA following. The Program was opened with a prayer by ALA Post 253 Chaplain, Danile Henry. The welcome speech was done by ALA Post 253 President Madonna Azure

ALA North Dakota President Sharon White Bear introduced ALA National President, Kathy Daudistel, who also served as our Keynote Speaker. The ALA National President’s Theme was “Care Givers of Veterans”. ALA National President Daudistel and ND State President White Bear, and five families were recognized for their display of loyalty with taking care of their Veterans. Gifts were given by ND ALA President, Sharon White Bear and National ALA President Kathy Daudistel to each family. Kathy was gifted with a Star Quilt from Delores White and family on behalf of Veteran Bruce Nagel. Gift Bags, Kid Candy bags and Flower/Plants were presented to the ladies from the Young Hawk/Bear Post 253 Auxiliary. Program ended with the Young Hawk/Bear Post 253 retrieving the colors.

Dead Grass Singers sang for the three Native Dances: Jingle, Chicken & Traditional and they danced for the crowd. Group pictures of the Legion and Auxiliary present were taken with Daudistel.

Throughout the program gifts were presented individually and to our guests. A day well spent with state wide Legion and Auxiliary Groups. Thank you Young Hawk/Bear Post 253 Legion and Auxiliary for a job well done.