Joseph Medicine Crow shows a drum to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House in August 2009. Official White House photo by Pete Souza

Joe Medicine Crow, a revered member of the Crow Tribe, attended the groundbreaking of a new public school in Montana that bears his name.

Medicine Crow, who turned 101 last October, is the oldest living Crow veteran. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 for his contributions in the fields of education and history.

"Right now, work is in process to build a new house of learning, a new school right here," Medicine Crow said at the groundbreaking of the Medicine Crow Middle School, The Billings Gazette reported.

"Billings is, like me, getting older," Medicine Crow added, the paper said. "But also, like me, better."

The school, being built on 34 acres in Billings Heights, is due to open in fall 2016.

Get the Story:
Medicine Crow speaks at groundbreaking for new middle school (The Billings Gazette 3/19)
Medicine Crow Middle School breaks ground (KTVQ 3/19)
Joseph Medicine Crow Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Middle School (KULR 3/18)

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Column: Joe Medicine Crow a living legend (8/17)
Medicine Crow awarded Medal of Freedom (8/13)
Medicine Crow to receive presidential honor (8/11)
Medicine Crow 'humbled' by presidential honor (7/31)
Joe Medicine Crow to receive Medal of Freedom (7/30)