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I greet each and everyone with a hearty handshake. We denizens of Dakota Hall's lower level continue to perform all those different tasks and functions that meet the goals set for us by the University of South Dakota.
Oftentimes people I meet ask me what I do here at the Institute. It still takes me by surprise because it is difficult to put into a short statement exactly what constitutes my work schedule. Usually in between answering the telephone and email, visiting with students and members of the public who come into the office, attending committee meetings or take care of business pertaining to that committee's goals, working with Institute staff to help with their duties, I find time to prepare to teach my one scheduled class this semester. Working for the Institute ensures that one will never be without something to accomplish. Suffice it to say finding worthwhile projects to work on is not one of my problems.
Meg and I have been putting together the administrative structure for the American Indian Studies major. We know there will be many questions arise when students began to contemplate how they can work the major or double major into their university degree. Anticipating all the questions is difficult, if not impossible, but it is a long awaited goal finally coming into existence and we will attempt to make the American Indian Studies major a viable degree offered here at the university.
I've been thinking about the United States Marine Corps birthday coming up on 10 November 1997 and Veterans Day on 11 November 1997. Many good memories surface and I want to thank all those of you who served our country in its wars and all you who supported your loved ones while they did their duty. I wrote these lines a long time ago and wanted to share them with you.
Forty South Dakota Vietnam Veterans and their wives rented a bus and
traveled to the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington,
DC, on 11 November 1982. "Chariots of Fire" was the theme music.
AT THE WALL, THE NAMES, AND NAMES, AND NAMES,
....where....
....as
....i
....peer
....through
....these
....men's
....window
....pains.
....panes
....of
....death
....and
....destruction
....unbelieving
....at
....what
....is
....not
....there,
....where
....we
....were,
....there
....where
....no
....men
....dare
....to
....tread,
....where
....the
....specter
....of
....death
....omnipotent
....stared
....hovering
....where....
I remember that memorable journey, and all those of you who were with us
as we went to pay our respects. I pray that all of your days are blessed.
Until then, I remain, with respect, Mitakuye Oyasin, Tahunska
Tanka, Ihanktonwan Nakota Akichita, Vietnam.
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14 December 1999, lrb