[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF CHIRICAHUA APACHE LEADER GOYATHAY, ALSO 
        KNOWN AS GERONIMO, ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 2009

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, as Democratic Chairman of the House Native 
American Caucus, it is my distinct honor to join my friend and 
colleague Congressman Raul Grijalva in support of H. Res. 132. This 
resolution honors the life and extraordinary bravery of Geronimo, the 
great Chiricahua Apache leader, and recognizes the 100th anniversary of 
his death on February 17, 2009, as a time of reflection and the 
commencement of healing for the Apache people.
  Geronimo, a spiritual and intellectual leader, became recognized as a 
great military leader by his people because of his courage, 
determination, and skill. He led his people in a war as the Apache 
homeland was invaded by citizens and armies first of Mexico, and then 
the United States. While the Apache people were forcibly removed by the 
United States and interned at San Carlos, Arizona, Geronimo led some of 
his people out of captivity and evaded military forces for several 
years. Upon surrendering to the United States, Geronimo and other 
Apache prisoners were interned in military prisons in Florida, Alabama 
and Oklahoma, far from their homeland. Geronimo died on February 17, 
1909, and was buried in a military cemetery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
  The Apache people continue to honor and hold sacred Geronimo's 
efforts to preserve their traditional way of life and to defend their 
homeland. While we cannot erase the deplorable history of Indian policy 
in the United States to terminate tribal nations and their culture, 
perhaps this resolution will bring about a healing among the Apache 
people and their children will look back at their history and be proud 
that the United States paid tribute to Geronimo, a great Apache 
warrior.
  As the San Carlos Apache Tribe and other Apache tribes across the 
country gather on February 17, 2009, in San Carlos, Arizona to 
commemorate the 100th anniversary of Geronimo's death, I wish them 
Godspeed as they begin their journey of spiritual healing.

                          ____________________