We went to the wake of Richard Galeano which had been moved from the funeral home to the American Legion down the block. We entered a room filled with Native Americans, most from the Pine Ridge Reservation, many attendees in military uniform, flags, quilts and displays of photos, medals, three Native staffs representing three different tribes, and prominent at the front of the room lay Richard in his wooden casket.
The atmosphere, unlike the usual visitation, was less stilted and more relaxed. There was a certain solemnity, but also the casualness of friends and family at an annual reunion. The ceremony was led by Ben Good Buffalo, friend of Richard, with other friends and family members entering in with songs, chants and testimonies to the life of a father, husband, brother, veteran of the U.S. Air Force and long-time friend and teacher to many.
An extraordinary meal followed the service, with traditional fry bread among many other choices. All of this was unique to me, even though I had grown up in a world with three day wakes in the living room of the deceased, including conversation, food, laughter and tears, with an open casket in the living room for all to view. I now wonder how our culture lost the richness of a wake to be replaced by the formality of a visitation.
The most impressive moments for me were when Frank Marshall, veteran service officer for the tribe stood near the casket and called roll call to all of the military, most in uniform and standing in attention in a line at the side of the room. He announced each name in a loud voice, and in an equally strong voice each responded with "Yes, SIR". Finally he called out, "Richard Wendell Galeano." No answer. Again, "Richard Wendell Galeano." No answer. A third time, "Richard Wendell Galeano."
Vincent Ten Fingers, a Vietnam veteran's strong voice replied, "Not here, SIR. He is with a higher command."
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