Native American Culture

Arizona Recognizes Navajo Code Talkers Day

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Back in 1982, President Ronald Reagan established a presidential proclamation that stated August 14th would be the National day to recognize Navajo Code Talkers and their immense contribution to the success of World War II. Our home state of Arizona has decided to take it further and also recognize August 14th, Navajo Code Talkers Day within the state.

The first 29 Navajo Code Talker recruits being Sworn in at Fort Wingate, N.M., in 1942. – U.S. National Archives & Records

The initial legislation for the state holiday was brought to fruition by Peshlakai, the Senator for Window Rock, in February. That next Monday, she announced on her Twitter that it was her first bill to be signed into law. Here are her thoughts,

“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.”

Having this day as a remembrance serves as a reminder that life and traditions are fragile. While there are very few Code Talkers still with us today, it’s important that we learn about our history and honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice. The life that these men endured is something that most cannot even fathom going through these days.

Members of the 3rd and 4th Division Navajo code talker platoons of World War II, dressed in their unit’s uniform, pose for a group photo during a commemoration of the landing on Iwo Jima. – Sgt. D. S. Brown/ U.S. Marine Corps

About the Navajo Code Talkers

As generations keeping growing farther and farther away from history, it’s more important than ever to recognize how we got to where we are today. And truthfully, our country would not be what it is today without the valiant efforts of the Navajo Code Talkers. Some of you reading this might be familiar with the term, but if you aren’t here is a quick snapshot before we dive in. A “code talker” is a name that was given to American Indians who used their tribal language to send encrypted messages on the battlefield but their importance stretches far beyond this simple terminology.

In addition to the Navajo (Diné) code talkers, there were at least fourteen other Native nations, including the Cherokee and Comanche, that served as code talkers as well in both the Pacific and Europe during World War II. The idea of code talking came from Philip Johnston, a civil engineer from Los Angeles who was raised on the Navajo Reservation. Originally born in Kansas, Johnston was raised speaking Navajo. Philip originally served in France during World War I but by the time World War II hit, Johnston was too old to fight but wanted to continue serving his country. The idea came to him when he was reading about military security and he realized that the military could theoretically create a secret code based on the Navajo language. This was only the beginning of the Navajo Code Talkers, after the ideas were born, 29 Navajo Code Talkers were brought in to create it and the rest of it is truly history. If you’d like to read the full story, you can do that here.

Krysta Paffrath

Hi everyone! I'm Krysta Paffrath, I am a proud Arizona native who has a passion for everything business and rodeo. I am beyond thrilled to be the Editor in Chief for Cowboy Lifestyle Network. With my background in digital marketing and rodeo, this was a natural fit for me to join the team. My adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit has guided me to work in many places like the WYO Quarter Horse Ranch in Thermopolis, Wyoming, a working cattle ranch in Seligman, Arizona, and many places in between. I am passionate about preserving the western way of life and working with different brands and rodeos to make that happen. If you're looking for a write-up, please shoot me an email at krysta@clngo.com. Learn more about me at krystapaffrath.com. Looking forward to hearing from you!

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