[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2009

  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, as the Republican Co-Chair of the Native 
American Caucus and as the only enrolled tribal member in Congress, I 
rise today in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of a 
Native American hero, Goyathlay, more commonly known as Geronimo.
  Born into one of the most dangerous eras in Native American history 
in 1829, this Apache leader devoted his life to leading his people both 
spiritually and militarily. Though outnumbered and less armed, 
Goyathlay valiantly and successfully fought both Mexican and American 
troops in order to maintain the independence of his own people for 
decades. Even when his own wife and children were killed by attacking 
soldiers, his resolve never ended to keep his people free and safe.
  In 1886, when the United States government launched an expedition to 
capture Goyathlay, he never rested. Constantly moving, and exhausted, 
he demonstrated true leadership and resolve by and preventing his band 
of Apaches from resigning their sovereignty to the United States 
government. When Goyathlay and his band were finally captured, they 
were moved as prisoners of war to several different bases in Florida, 
Alabama and Oklahoma. Finally, Goyathlay was transferred to Ft. Sill in 
Lawton, Oklahoma were he is buried today.
  On this 100th Anniversary of his death, it is my sincerest hope, that 
his descendants might find healing and peace as they heal from the 
tragedies suffered by their ancestors. Today, Goyathlay can serve as an 
example for all of Indian Country. Though the United States policy 
toward Indian Country has drastically improved since the time of 
Goyathlay, the fight for tribal sovereignty is far from over. His 
strong dedication to this principle as well as his determined 
leadership is truly inspirational for all those fighting for Native 
Americans today.
  Again, Madam Speaker, I am proud to speak today to honor one of the 
greatest Native American heroes in history. As the San Carols Apache 
Tribe and others throughout Indian Country gather to honor the life of 
this great leader, I wish them all the best and hope that this 
anniversary is a marker of healing for the Apaches and all Native 
peoples.

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