Navajo Nation Establishes Code Talker Day

On August 14, Arizona celebrated Navajo Code Talkers Day, honoring the Navajo natives who utilized their language to send secure messages during World War II. The event included remarks from Speaker Crystalyne Curley highlighting the vital role of the Navajo language in military communications and the importance of teaching it to future generations. The Navajo Code Talkers played an essential part in the U.S. military's success in the Pacific theater, with their code remaining unbroken by Japanese forces. This day was officially established in 1982 and has been recognized as a state holiday in Arizona since 2020. The legacy of the Code Talkers continues, with literature aimed at educating younger generations about their contributions, including a new book by librarian Danielle Burbank. The celebration also acknowledges the broader historical context of Code Talkers, including those from other tribes who participated in both World Wars.