Crazy Horse volksmarch: New Idea for SD/ NE trip!

“I just realized the Crazy Horse Monument volksmarch is the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, June 5-6. I've done this once and it's a GREAT EVENT!!

The bad news is that it attracts a TON of people. The good news is twofold:

1. You actually get to go ON the monument. The turn-around point of the 6.2 mile hike is the outstretched arm.

2. If you've been there, you know it's normally very VERY expensive. However, on this weekend the only charge is a $3 fee for the American Volksmarch Association (or some such thing).

So... based on this and some other info from Redhawk, I'll probably change the focus of my backpacking before the PIT program in NW Nebraska to the central to southern Black Hills for June 3-6. And probably try to to do the volksmarch Sunday, starting EARLY!

This could mean the French Creek Natural Area at Custer State Park. :-)”

“Crazy Horse Volksmarch info

It was so impressive on my last trip to be on the arm of the monument and take in its enormous size. The website says the face -- which is right above you when you're on the arm -- is >>NINE<< stories tall.

The hike has its steep areas too. It was crazy seeing all these non-hikers going through what was called the goat pasture.

Also, there's a lot to see on the site. This is where I first realized the extent of the ceremony that, if I recall right, is called the sun dance (??).

It's very educational.”

“Interestingly enough, my wife and I used to belong to a volksmarching club. They were just a little too old and pedestrian for us, but the concept was a good one, and they sponsor some great events. Sounds like this is just one of those great events. However, I don't think we should spend decades building a monument to Crazy Horse just to walk all over it. Americans are so unaware, don't you think?”

“lol... c'mon dunny, you know the logic. It's only two days a year.

PLUS, you really make people care about it once they've hiked up it... and bonded with it... so hopefully they'll give more money to this private endeavor.

So... will see you there? ;-P”

“Hey, I'm sure people climb up statues of Jesus all the time on volksmarches. Get my point?”

“Ouch, spanked by Dunadan.

OK, putting on my thinking hat here, although it's late. My thoughts go to two things:

1. Native American's religion goes to the wind and land and sky, which are things we are one with and interact with all the time. We walk on land; is a monument so different when it's part of nature and we're all one with nature? I don't know, but perhaps when they are done building it -- which will take a long, long time yet -- maybe people will be allowed on it all the time?

I can say I was more moved being a part of the Crazy Horse Monument than looking up at the nearby monument with the four heads on it.

2. Things like the Statue of Liberty could be considered a monument. We go up in that, or at least did before 9/11. Also, we go into memorials to Lincoln, Washington, etc.”

“Hey Lizzy, remember that I'm on your side. However, political heroes might not be the same as Jesus or Crazy Horse. I would not want to speak for Indians. This is just a guess on my part.”

“What's the estimate on when the monument might be finished?


sign me....

- Just Curious”

“Right, I don't want to speak for them either. Throwing out theories here.

And Crazy Horse may not be the same as Jesus either. It could be more akin to a political monument. Crazy Horse was not worshipped.”

“Ahh... I knew you'd show up, Tilt. But I expected more than a passing question. lol ;-P

The faq... which has a cop-out answer on how long it will take. lol”

“This is on the website about why Crazy Horse was chosen. It does indeed sound political and not religious........


Why was Crazy Horse chosen?

Native American Leaders chose Crazy Horse for the mountain carving because he was a great and patriotic hero. Crazy Horse's tenacity of purpose, his modest life, his unfailing courage, and his tragic death set him apart and above the others.

He is a hero not only because of his skill in battle, but also because of his character and his loyalty to his people. He is remembered for how he cared for the elderly, the ill, the widowed, and the children. His dedication to his personal vision caused him to devote his life to serving his people and to preserving their valued culture.

Crazy Horse died young, his life tragically cut short. His spirit, however, remains as a role model of selfless dedication and service to others. Today, his values and his story serve as an inspiration for people of all races.

“My fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know that the red man has great heroes, too.” -- Henry Standing Bear, 1939”

“*”

“Give em hell Lisa!

White man always speaketh with forked tounge.”