Navajo President Declares Navajo Nation Code Talkers Week

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Navajo Cousins
Preston & Frank Toledo

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA - For the first time in history, Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly announced today that he has issued a proclamation declaring August 14-19, 2011 as 'Navajo Nation Code Talkers Week,' in collaboration with 'National Code Talkers Day.'

The Shelly-Jim Administration supports our Navajo Code Talkers Association and all veterans. "This year we support and honor our heroes, the Navajo Code Talkers for the week August 14-19, 2011 and recognize them for their bravery, the Navajo military voice code, military service and for saving countless lives," President Shelly said.

“We are asking all our tribal members to give thanks to our warriors and to encourage families to teach our children to speak Navajo and carry on our language.”

In 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 14th as National Navajo Code Talkers Day and to express appreciation to all American Indians who have served the United States in times of war.

During World War II, the Navajo code talkers - using their Native language - were instrumental in assisting the US military win the war due to the opponents' inability to break the language barrier.

"In honor of National Navajo Code Talkers Day, I ask all Americans to join us in commemorating our Navajo Code Talkers, by taking a moment to pray for our war heroes and the brave military men and women who protect all our people, our freedom and our land today," stated President Shelly.

Navajo Code Talkers Association President Keith Little was excited to hear about the week of honor. "We are very proud and honored President Shelly has declared a commemorative week, it supports our mission and vision of bringing together people of all walks of life in unity, patriotism and freedom," Little said.

Navajo Nation Code Talkers Week kicks off with the National Navajo Code Talkers Day on Sunday, August 14 at 7:30 am. with a reveille and raising of the flags at Navajo Veterans Park in Window Rock.

Photo The US National Archives and Records Administration

posted August 11, 2011 6:45 am edt