Photo: Big Elk bench, Bellevue Cemetery.

Photographer: Daniel Shurtliff
Taken: February 8, 2015
Caption: Big Elk bench, Bellevue Cemetery.
Additional Description: On September 19, 1954, with 1,000 spectators, Big Elk and 14 Omahas were reburied here. Their remains were brought from Elk Hill north of Mission Avenue where Big Elk had large funerals in 1846 and 1883. Buffalo Chief translated White Bird's speech about Big Elk's leadership. A chaplain from Offutt Air Force Base spoke. Taps sounded. Fitting tribal rituals were held. The Omahas "began their long rest in peace at their final resting place." This famous orator and man of peace supported the U.S. in the War of 1812. He visited two presidents. His "Coming Flood" speech one western expansion gave good advice for all youth: "I can no longer think for you and lead you as in my younger days. You must think for yourselves... that you may be prepared for the coming change. Speak kindly to one another; Do what you can to help each other, even in the troubles with the coming tide."
Submitted: February 11, 2015, by Joan Shurtliff of Seward, Nebraska.
Database Locator Identification Number: p300115
File Size: 0.871 Megabytes

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