AUGUST 14, 1982

NAVAJO CODE TALKERS DAY

The Navajo language and its complexity gave the military an enormous advantage when it came time to make codes. It was virtually unbreakable. Some strongly believe that the U.S. success in the Battle of Iwo Jima was not possible without the Code Talkers. However, the public did not know of the sacrifice and service of these American military heroes until the Code Talkers program was declassified in 1968. Yet, it was not honored visibly until the establishment of Navajo Code Talkers Day in 1982 by President Ronald Reagan. In 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded Congressional Gold Medals to 29 Code Talkers, and a year after that in 2001, President George W. Bush presented more medals to honor these veterans. The day of recognition, August 14 annually, is celebrated largely on a unit or squadron level, and some military bases that have ties to the native/indigenous communities nearby may have more formal events to celebrate the contributions these veterans have made. We truly thank them for their service.

Sources:

“Proclamation 4954 -- National Navaho Code Talkers Day,” Ronald Reagan Library.  Retrieved 10/12/2023, Proclamation 4954 -- National Navaho Code Talkers Day | Ronald Reagan (reaganlibrary.gov)

“Navajo Code Talkers Day,” Veteran.com, updated 12/23/2022.  Retrieved 10/12/2023, Navajo Code Talkers Day (veteran.com)

Photo:  U.S. Army, 6/1944.  Code Talkers on Saipan. Public Domain.