Day honors Code Talkers

Arizona will recognize National Navajo Code Talkers Day as a state holiday on Aug. 14 after Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation on Monday.

Arizona will recognize National Navajo Code Talkers Day as a state holiday for the first time on Aug. 14. Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation on Monday making the observance official.

“The Navajo Code Talkers are American heroes,” Ducey said in a news release.

“Arizona is grateful for their dedication to protecting our nation,” he added. “I’m proud to sign legislation that makes National Navajo Code Talkers day an official holiday.”

In 1942, 29 Navajo men joined the U.S. Marines and developed an unbreakable code that would be used across the Pacific during World War II. They were the Navajo Code Talkers.

“Ahéhee’ for honoring the Navajo Code Talkers who all served honorably during WWII to preserve our freedom,” said Navajo Code Talker Thomas H. Begay.

Ahéhee’ means “thank you” in Navajo.

“My sincere appreciation to the State of Arizona for the recognition,” he added. “Semper Fi.”

The Navajo Code Talkers participated in all assaults the U.S. Marines led in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945, including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Peleliu and Iwo Jima.

The Code Talkers conveyed messages by telephone and radio in their native language, a code that was never broken by the Japanese.

The original 29 Code Talkers have all died.

The total number of Navajo Code Talkers who served in the U.S. Marines is not known, but it is estimated at between 350 to 420.

There are only four living Navajo Code Talkers: John Kinsel Sr., Samuel Sandoval, Thomas H. Begay and Peter MacDonald.

“On behalf of the four of us remaining Navajo Code Talkers and all descendants of those who passed on, I wish to thank all for their respect and honor,” MacDonald said, expressing his thanks to State Sen. Jamescita Peshlakai, the state Legislature and Ducey.

“I only wish all those Navajo Code Talkers who are no longer with us knew the honor and the heartfelt thanks proclaimed by the state of Arizona,” he added. The legislation establishing the holiday was introduced by Peshlakai, DWindow Rock, in February. She tweeted on Monday that it was her first bill to be signed into law.

“It’s important that all Arizonans remember the service and bravery of the Navajo Code Talkers,” Peshlakai said. “Their crucial service during WWII will not be forgotten, and we will continue to honor them every August 14th.”

As part of the bill, if National Navajo Code Talkers Day falls on a day other than Sunday, the Sunday following Aug. 14 is to be observed as the holiday.

In 1982, President Ronald Reagan declared Aug. 14 as National Code Talkers Day.

In 2000, the Honoring the Navajo

Code Talkers Act was signed into law, and by 2001, the Navajo Code Talkers were honored with Congressional Gold and Silver Medals.

An annual celebration for Navajo Code Talkers Day is held on the Navajo Nation each year in Window Rock.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said it’s wonderful that the state of Arizona is honoring and recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of the Navajo Code Talkers.

“It’s long overdue,” he said. “We only have a few Navajo Code Talkers with us to this day, but we pay tribute to all of them and their families.”

“Their legacy is strengthened with today’s signing of this bill and we hope that this will also help to share the stories of our Code Talkers so that many more people throughout the state are aware of everything that they gave for our country,” he added.

Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer said the Navajo people have had many warriors throughout Navajo history, but the state’s recognition of the Navajo Code Talkers is very special.

“We appreciate the support of the state legislators and Gov. Ducey,” Lizer said. “Words will never be enough to express our admiration and appreciation for the Navajo Code Talkers, but today’s signing of Senate Bill 1802 is a great honor.”