A Controversial Decision on the Wounded Knee Massacre Medals Sparks Debate
The recent decision by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to allow American soldiers involved in the 1890 Battle of Wounded Knee to retain their Medals of Honor has ignited a storm of criticism. Among the vocal critics are religious leaders from South Dakota who argue that this decision distorts historical facts.
Scott Bullock, the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, alongside several Jesuit leaders, released a joint statement condemning Hegseth’s announcement. The statement emphasized the tragedy of December 29, 1890, when U.S. Army soldiers killed nearly 300 Lakota women, children, and unarmed men, declaring, “This was not a battle. To recognize these acts as honorable is to distort history itself.”
Signatories of this statement include Rev. L. Ryen Dwyer, Rev. Edmund Yainao, Rev. Phillip Cooke, Rev. David Mastrangelo, and Rev. Peter Klink, representing various religious communities and institutions within South Dakota.
Hegseth based his decision on a review panel’s conclusions from the Biden administration, which recommended retaining the medals. He criticized former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for allegedly valuing political correctness over historical accuracy, stating, “Such careless inaction has allowed for their distinguished recognition to remain in limbo.”
Despite Hegseth’s justification, Catholic leaders argued against the notion that critics are merely being politically correct. They expressed their stance saying, “Our response is not rooted in ‘political correctness’ but in prayerful correctness, grounded in truth, conscience, and compassion.”
Supporting their position, they referenced an 1891 letter that described the event as a “most abominable, criminal military blunder and a horrible massacre of women and children.” Additionally, a 2024 resolution by the South Dakota Senate condemned the honors given to the Seventh Cavalry.
The measure was passed overwhelmingly, with a 32-1 vote, highlighting bipartisan agreement on the issue.
Echoing their sentiments, the statement concluded with a reminder of the sacredness of those who suffered, acknowledging, “Those who committed the violence are also sacred; for this reason, Jesus offers them mercy and healing.” However, they condemned the violence as “grave evils” that “cannot be honored.” They warned against denying historical culpability, stating, “If we deny our part in history, we deepen the harm.”
A Senate Indian Affairs Committee report on pending legislation provides further context on the Wounded Knee Massacre. It noted that the massacre occurred amid tensions between settlers, federal agents, and Sioux bands as Native Americans were being resettled on reservations. In a 1990 apology, Congress acknowledged the massacre’s historical significance as the last armed conflict of the Indian wars.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
