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 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.
About the Navajo Code Talkers
As generations keep 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.
Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation is truly an extraordinary and breathtaking nation within a nation. It is over 27,000 miles and covers over four states: New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. The Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department oversees all Navajo Tribal Parks in the largest sovereign nation in the United States. As a sovereign-autonomous tribal government, the Navajo Nation creates laws and governs its citizens – which means all non-Navajo travelers and visitors must comply with and abide by tribal regulations, policies, and laws. Their intent is the caretaking of Mother Earth, which Navajos respect at all times. Come experience the breathtaking views Navajo land has to offer.
CKP Insurance
CKP Insurance is a proud supporter of the Navajo Nation and all things agriculture.
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Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance was designed to help protect your operation from the risks of forage losses that are produced for grazing or harvested for hay, resulting in increased costs for feed.
Anyone can sell you a policy. But CKP Insurance invests the time to understand your needs and develop a strategy that will produce the best coverage results.
Navajo Code Talkers Luncheon
CKP Insurance was a proud sponsor of the Navajo Code Talkers luncheon on August 14th, 2022. The CKP Insurance team was present at this outstanding event to help assist the Navajo Nation speakers staff. This event was in coordination with the groundbreaking for the new Navajo Code Talker museum that is being built in Window Rock, Arizona. People came out to pay homage to the Navajo Nation Code Talkers for Navajo Nation Code Talker day. This event turned out fantastic with approximately 700 attendees including Native American Navajo and ancestors from the Navajo Code Talkers. Lunch included mutton stew, bread, cake, sodas, and water which was served out with the help of CKP Insurance team members. Mutton stew is a Native American delicacy from the Navajo Nation. We hope everyone had a great time and thank you to all of the sponsors.
Navajo Code Talkers Luncheon – Photo Credit: CKP Insurance, Renelda Begay
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
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