Letter from Ray Fadden of the Akwesasne Mohawk Counselor Organization to President Truman
9/3/1951
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In 1950, the body of Sergeant First Class John Rice was brought back from Korea for burial. Rice’s wife had purchased a gravesite near her home, but when cemetery officials realized that Rice was part Winnebago Indian they would not allow the burial to take place. The controversy received national attention, and President Harry S Truman arranged for Rice to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Writing from the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation in Hogansburg, New York, Ray Fadden, founder of the Akwesasne Mohawk Counselor Organization – that aimed to educate Mohawk children in Native history, technologies, and traditions – sent this letter to President Truman expressing gratitude and appreciation.
Included is a reply from William Hassett, secretary to the President.
This primary source comes from the Collection HST-OFF: Official Files (Truman Administration).
National Archives Identifier:
595493Full Citation: Letter from Ray Fadden of Akwesasne Mohawk Counselor Organization to President Harry S. Truman Regarding Burial of an Indian at Arlington Cemetery; 9/3/1951; Collection HST-OFF: Official Files (Truman Administration); Harry S. Truman Library, Independence, MO. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/fadden-truman-arlington, May 16, 2024]