For many descendants of those who perished at Wounded Knee in 1890, the Defense Department’s refusal to rescind Medals of Honor is a bitter blow. As a Senate Committee seeks information into the controversy, advocates like Violet Catches vow to continue pushing for a reckoning with history.
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Policy Analysis
Political Movements
Wounded Knee Descendants Vow To Keep Pressing For Medal Revocations As Senate Committee Seeks Info
Photo by Yankton Net
Key Takeaways:
- The 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre led to soldiers receiving Medals of Honor.
- Descendants have long campaigned for the medals to be revoked.
- The Defense Department recently decided against rescission.
- A Senate Committee is now gathering more information on this issue.
- Descendants, including Violet Catches, view the refusal as a personal and collective affront.
Historical Context of Wounded Knee
In 1890, the U.S. military clashed with Lakota people at Wounded Knee Creek, resulting in significant loss of life. Afterward, several soldiers received Medals of Honor. That decision has remained controversial in many Native communities, who view the events at Wounded Knee as a massacre and the awarding of medals as a grave injustice.
The Defense Department’s Recent Refusal
Despite persistent calls from descendants to rescind the Medals of Honor, the Defense Department recently reaffirmed that it would not withdraw them. This decision came as a disappointment to many families, who perceive these medals as a symbol of a deeper, unaddressed historical wrong.
Reaction from Descendants
“For Violet Catches, the Defense Department’s decision not to rescind the Medals of Honor awarded to soldiers who were at the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre was a gut punch,” reads the original story. This sentiment captures the sorrow and frustration felt by numerous descendants, who see the refusal as a disregard for the memory of those who lost their lives.
The Senate Committee’s Role
Amid this dispute, a Senate Committee has taken steps to seek additional information. While the scope of the Committee’s inquiry has not been disclosed in detail, descendants hope it signals a deeper congressional interest in examining the past and possibly reevaluating the Medals of Honor.
Ongoing Efforts and Community Implications
Advocates remain steadfast. Many view the Defense Department’s refusal not as a conclusion but as the impetus for a renewed effort to correct what they believe is a lingering injustice. For families like those of Wounded Knee descendants, the controversy is far from resolved—reflecting broader calls for accountability and recognition of historical grievances.
