In this photo, three war veterans lead in the final Grand Entry of the Songhees Pow Wow - Charles Schalack, Tommy Bob and Joe Gray Thorne. They are followed by Elmer and Eva George. A new Eagle feather was added to the top of the Eagle staff to honour the late Barney George, a Songhees War Veteran. I interviewed Joe Gray Thorne and his son. Joe Gray Thorne Nuuchahnulth, from Ditidaht       Joe Gray Thorne was part of the U.S. Marine Corps in the 3rd Marine Air Wing. He was 17 when he entered the Vietnam War; the oldest person in his division was only 18. They called him Grandpa. Out of the original 88 in the regiment, only 4 survived to the end of the war. Joe stayed in the Marine Corps from 1969 to 1973 and decided that was enough. The one thing that he feels is the same with those that went through war is the emptiness in their eyes. He doesn't feel he's at home yet - he feels about 75% home. The pain of loneliness is strong. There are not many people that can understand what our War Veterans have gone through.       Yet there is something special about a Pow Wow. This is one place where Veterans are still honoured. On Sunday morning, there was an Eagle Feather tied on to the Grand Entry eagle staff. The feather was given to the Pow Wow to honour Barney George, who passed away earlier this year. It was beautiful seeing the Eagle feather on the Eagle Staff - many of the audience and participants felt the power and emotion of that moment. The Pow Wow is a place where First Nations veterans can be together and walk in pride. Joe Gray Thorne likes to bring his family to the Pow Wow. It is a time they can spend together in happiness. One more day of peace, one day where his family doesn't have to feel pain. Joe is especially proud of his son, Oscar Thorne. Oscar Thorne is the National Youth Delegate for the War Veterans. He walks and dances in the Pow Wow for those Veterans that are unable to do so themselves. Joe and Oscar have this in common with other Pow Wow dancers - they walk with pride in the ring and they sit in the warmth and comfort of their family on the side of the ring. Joe Gray Thorne summed it up this way, "Peace, Love and Harmony. That's what the Pow Wow is about for me." Oscar Thorne       Oscar Thorne dances up a storm in the Men's Fancy, Double Bustle. He's also the National Youth Representative for the War Veterans. He's only 20 years old, but he's been dancing since he was 2 years old. He's been the Youth Representative for 4 years. He became interested in the War Veterans Society through his father, Joe Gray Thorne, a Veteran from the Vietnam War. It means a great deal to be the youth representative. Oscar realizes the responsibility of his role. He represents the war veterans that may have died already, or may have lost limbs, who for whatever reason cannot walk or dance in the Pow Wow themselves. Oscar also realizes the honour of his role. He understands as much as a young person can what it means to have War Veterans. He knows how they fought for our peace and freedom. He knows how they have suffered. He also knows how they have been able to give to us. The War Veterans are special for us. They remind us of the strength we have as a people. I admire the humility with which Oscar holds his position. He is proud of his honour, but he doesn't let the title go to his head. He appreciates the honour and does it justice. He lives a clean life. This young man is going back to school and wants to go to College. He wants to lead a life that respects what the War Veterans have given up in order to give to our Youth. He wants to keep coming to the Pow Wows as long as he can, and would be honoured to keep representing the War Veterans as long as they wish. We wish you great luck in all your ventures, Oscar. Hy'ch-ka!