Here is the speech that Plenty Coups made at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Fort Myer, Virginia, at the time the unknown soldier was buried on November 11, 1921. Plenty Coups spoke in his native Crow language.

"AWE A-KEN BI-RAX-BA-KEC BA-RE-I-RA-KI-CE BA-RA-SA-CA AWE-AKI BI-RAX-BA-KEC I-WA-RAX-KAT-BAK BA-PE-WA-RI-KAT-BAK IN-DE-AK-CE-KA-TE I-TA-KE-CE. SAK; BA-RE-WA-TSI-A ASA-KE-TSEC KA-RA-HIK; KAM BA-TSI-O KO-WI-TSI-KAT BA-CI-RU-A I-A-WI-RAX-BAX-KEN BAC-JE-RI-KI-A-TEN."

Here are three separate translations to English. It is unknown who translated the first two.

Translation #1:

"For the Indians of America I call upon the great spirit of the red men with gesture, and chant, and tribal tongue: That the dead should not have died in vain; that war might end; that peace be purchased by the blood of red men and white.î

Translation #2:

I am told that this soldier is one who is known only to God. If that is the case, this soldier, known only to the "Maker" could well be an American Indian. With all of the honors being extended to him this day, by all of the countries that were in the war, he truly is a chief. And in keeping with the rites that we extend to a departed chief, I hereby dedicate this grave as the gravesite of a chief."

Translated by the New York Times:

"I feel it is an honor to the red man that he takes part in this great event, because it shows that the thousands of Indians who fought in the great war are appreciated by the white man. I am glad to represent all the Indians of the U.S. in placing on the grave of this noble warrior this coups stick and war bonnet, every single feather of which represents a deed of valor by my race. I hope that the Great Spirit will grant that these noble warriors have not given up their lives in vain and that there will be peace to all men hereafter. This is the Indians hope and prayer."