Remember the Removal riders return

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Family and friends of the Remember the Removal riders wait for their loved ones to return from the more than 900-mile trek retracing the tribe’s Trail of Tears. Staff photo by Wendy Burton
Cherokee Nation’s 2012 Remember the Removal riders return to Tahlequah Friday morning as hundreds greet them. Ten representatives and their chaperones rode the more than 900-mile trek retracing the tribe’s Trail of Tears.

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June 23, 2012

Remember the Removal riders return

900-mile bicycle trek recalls Trail of Tears

By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer The Muskogee Phoenix Sat Jun 23, 2012, 12:35 AM CDT

TAHLEQUAH — Cherokee Nation’s 2012 Remember the Removal riders “completed a circle,” returning to Tahlequah to a joyful reception.

Riders from Oklahoma and other states left on the more than 900-mile trek June 1 and returned to the Cherokee Nation Courthouse Friday morning.

The Remember the Removal Ride retraces the northern route of the Trail of Tears through areas documented by the Rev. Daniel S. Butrick, a Baptist missionary, and others who survived the journey.

For Cherokees from the west and east, the ride symbolizes a completion, a “full-circle.”

“We’re all connected. We are one people. When we go home, the circle will be complete,” said Johnnie Walkingstick from Cherokee, N.C. “When the western Cherokees arrive here today, the circle will be complete.”

Walkingstick’s sister Judy Castorena of the Eastern Band participated in the ride that began in an area of Georgia that was original tribal lands.

At the end of every post she made while on the ride she wrote, “We will never forget,” Walkingstick said.

Ten riders from the Tahlequah area completed the trek Friday, including: Eric Budder, 17; Echo King, 18; Clay Rudolph, 21; and Danielle Culp, 22; all of Claremore, Luke Phillips, 15; Seth Alsenay, 16; Megan Alsenay, 20; all of Keys, Nathalie Tomasik, 17, of Tahlequah; Keaton Sheets, 17, of Stilwell; and Elizabeth Cook, 18, of Texarkana, Ark.

Chaperone Jerrad Dry of Fort Gibson attended for his third year, second as a chaperone, said his mother, Tammy Dry, who waited with hundreds of others for the riders’ return.

“My son and I agree on the importance of seeing what our ancestors went through, even though they aren’t walking as our ancestors did,” Tammy Dry said. “It gives us a sense of camaraderie and develops respect for where we are today, and the cultural experiences along the way help each learn about their heritage.”

More than 4,000 Cherokees died along the various routes from the harsh conditions of the crossing during the Trail of Tears, according to ride organizers.

The hope of organizers each year is to promote awareness, historical and cultural interest.

Friday morning saw hundreds celebrating with cheers, claps and hugs for the returning riders.

Music and speeches followed, along with a picnic for the riders in the courthouse square in Tahlequah.

Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogeephoenix.com.