U.S. reviews medals linked to Wounded Knee massacre as anniversary approaches

On December 29, 2024, the U.S. marks 134 years since the Wounded Knee massacre, where hundreds of Lakota were killed by the 7th Cavalry. The Pentagon is reviewing 20 Medals of Honor awarded to soldiers involved in the event. The military's review aims to address past racism and evaluate whether the awards meet current standards of heroism. A panel was directed to provide recommendations, but the outcome remains unresolved. Wounded Knee has become a symbol in the fight for Indigenous rights, highlighted by a 1973 standoff that drew national attention to Native American issues.