by Anura Guruge
on August 23, 2024
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Yes, I got to take part in the GRAND ENTRY — on day 1. Wow. Who would have thought.
This was spur of the moment. I had not, for an instance, thought I would be in the Grand Entry — not being part of the Tribe, let alone a native.
I had got myself a prime chair, front row, in the main viewing tent, in the shade. I was all set to sit there & take pictures.
Then a series of announcements came over the PA that they were 4 flag bearers SHORT. I was kind of surprised. I had never seen this has having been an issue in any of the many pow wows I had attended.
They kept on calling for volunteers …
They got one. They still needed three. It was getting close to noon — the scheduled opening time. So, I decided to see IF they wanted me.
Not only were they happy to have me, they gave me a TRIBAL FLAG to carry. I declined. That would NOT have been right.
I agreed to carry the ‘Every Child Matters’ flag. I was entitled to carry that, & I could relate.
It was quite the HONOR. WOW.
At 4pm, that afternoon, I had to go back to carry the flag off. WOW.