First Native American Heritage Day Marked

Though few events were organized, because there was so little time to plan, today — and from here on every Friday after Thanksgiving — is Native American Heritage Day, a day to honor the contributions that Native American people have made to the country. The bill designating this day of recognition was signed into law by President Bush in mid-October.

"The Indians kept the pilgrims alive with turkeys and wild game. That's the reason it was attached to the Thanksgiving weekend," The Associated Press quoted Frank Suniga as saying. Suniga, of Mescalero Apache descent, helped spearhead the movement to establish this commemorative day.