Controversy Over Wounded Knee Medals: National Congress of American Indians Criticizes Pentagon's Decision
The National Congress of American Indians strongly criticized the Pentagon's decision to not revoke medals awarded to U.S. soldiers involved in the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. Larry Wright Jr., the executive director of the Congress, emphasized that honoring such events as heroic undermines the truth of history.
The Battle of Wounded Knee took place on December 29, 1890, in South Dakota, resulting in the deaths and injuries of more than 300 Lakota Sioux individuals at the hands of U.S. soldiers. Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin initiated a review of military honors during the Biden administration, but no final decision was made before his departure.
Former Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during the Trump administration, defended the decision to retain the medals, citing a panel's recommendation. Hegseth criticized Austin for prioritizing political correctness over historical accuracy, despite a 1990 Congressional resolution expressing deep regret for the massacre.
In conclusion, the National Congress of American Indians strongly opposes the Pentagon's decision to maintain the medals awarded to U.S. soldiers involved in the Wounded Knee Massacre. The organization believes that recognizing such events as honorable disregards the historical truth and significance of the tragic event.