Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar (R-AZ) released the following statement to honor the 30th Anniversary of the National Navajo Code Talkers Day. During World War II, the Navajo Code Talkers adapted their native language to successfully transmit code that the Japanese could not decipher, which ultimately contributed to the Allied victory. President Ronald Reagan declared August 14th National Code Talker Day in 1982 to honor the heroic contribution of the Code Talkers to the war effort.
“For 30 years, the Navajo Code Talkers have been honored for their unbreakable code and unwavering dedication that played a crucial role to ensure victory in the Pacific theater of WWII,” said Congressman Gosar. “Their efforts and sacrifices should not go unsung; America needs to learn the story of this brave group of men, and that is why today is so important. I would like to thank the Navajo Code Talkers for their bravery, commitment and sacrifice. ”
Last December, Congressman Gosar hosted a Special Order in the House of Representatives to honor the Navajo Code Talkers. This event allowed Members of Congress to preserve the legacy of the Code Talkers by reading all 400 names of the original Code Talkers.
Gosar Leads House Special Order
Honoring Native American Code Talkers
WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) hosted a Special Order honoring Native American Code Talkers this evening. Native American Code Talkers adapted their native language and dialects to transmit secret messages that the enemy could not decipher, thus making them a crucial part of the Allied effort during World War II.
Their contributions are widely credited with winning the Battle of Iwo Jima and making major gains in the Pacific.
Congressman Gosar thanked the men who were a part of this great effort saying, “Make no mistake about the gravity of this accomplishment: The Navajo Code Talkers created the only unbroken code in modern military history. Their accomplishments led to the success of our nation and of the Allied forces.” During the hour long special order the names of the 400 code talkers were read aloud.
Congressman Gosar was joined this evening by Congressmen Chaffetz (UT-03), Congressman Heinrich (NM-01), Congressman Flake (AZ-06), Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) and Congressman Schweikert (AZ-05).
Congressman Schweikert said “Today, we remember the anniversary of Pearl Harbor and the heritage of our Greatest Generation. The Code Talkers were invaluable members of this Greatest Generation. May we never forget all they did for our country and the Allied cause in the fight for freedom.”
Congressman Gosar concluded that “Today’s Special Order is a small step towards giving these patriotic Native Americans the recognition they so greatly deserve for serving our country. I look forward to working on additional measures to promote their place in American history.”