[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 211 (Tuesday, December 7, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S8941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Remembering Marcella LeBeau
Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, before I begin, I want to take just a few
minutes to honor two members of the ``greatest generation'' whom we
lost recently, Marcella LeBeau and Bob Dole.
Marcella LeBeau died on Sunday, November 21. She was from my home
State of South Dakota and a member of the Two Kettle Band of the
Cheyenne River Sioux who served in the Army Nurse Corps during World
War II, including time on the frontlines treating the wounded at the
Battle of the Bulge. She was decorated by both France and Belgium for
her service.
After the war, she returned to South Dakota, spending 31 years
working for the Indian Health Service, including as Director of
Nursing, while raising eight children.
She was a powerful advocate for Native Americans throughout her
entire life and was a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Council
for 4 years and a founding member of the North American Women's
Association.
Even in retirement, Marcella continued to advocate for Native
Americans and also found time to open a quilting shop with her
granddaughter featuring, among other things, the Lakota star quilt,
used for honoring and naming ceremonies, memorials, and various life
achievements.
Earlier in November, she traveled to Oklahoma to attend the ceremony
for her induction into the National Native American Hall of Fame.