June 23, 2015
Horseback riders will gather early this week on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to begin a cross-country journey to Crazy Horse Memorial for a July 4th ceremony honoring living and deceased military veterans. The commemorative Honor Ride hosts Native American and non-Native riders carrying U.S. flags presented by families wishing to honor one or more relatives. The Memorial’s yearly July 4th ceremony honors the continuing commitment of Native Americans to their historic cultural customs, and salutes all veterans and current defenders of freedom in memory of Crazy Horse sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, a decorated World War II Army sergeant.
Other July 4th activities at Crazy Horse include Native American Dance performances held three times a day at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 PM (weather permitting). A visitor favorite is the Laser Light Show which begins at dark. See the Mountain drenched in a spectacular laser lights with wonderful narration and animation. Finally, The NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL CENTER® will host hands on activities from 10:00 - 12:00 NOON & 2:00 - 4:00 PM.
Visitors can now enjoy new displays in the INDIAN MUSEUM OF NORTH AMERICA® and NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL CENTER®. The Memorial is especially proud to present the exhibit, The American Bison, located on the lower level of the Cultural Center. The bison exhibition was graciously donated to Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation by Susan Ricci from Rapid City, SD. The display tells the story of the bison in North America—its prehistoric beginnings, its near extinction, the exploits of western figures who helped save the remaining bison at the end of the 1800s, and the bison’s cultural significance to tribes across the country.
