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Members of the Navajo
Code Talkers Association salute during the Democratic National
Convention in 2008. PHOTO: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
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Arizona has adopted a new state holiday to honor Navajo Nation
members who used their language to pass on coded messages during
World War II.
Driving the news: Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation
on Monday that designates Aug. 14 "Navajo Code Talkers Day."
- If Aug. 14 doesn't fall on a Sunday, the day will be observed
the following Sunday.
- Proponents have been urging the state to adopt a holiday since
President Ronald Reagan declared Navajo Code Talkers Day by presidential
proclamation on Aug. 14, 1982.
What they're saying: The Navajo Code Talkers are American
heroes. They assisted on every major operation involving the U.S.
Marines in the Pacific theatre, using their native language to come
up with an unbreakable code," Ducey said in a statement.
- "Their crucial service during WWII will not be forgotten,
and we will continue to honor them every August 14th," said
state Sen. Jamescita Peshlakai (D-Ariz.), a Navajo Nation member
who sponsored the bill.
Flashback: The U.S. government recruited and enlisted more
than 400 Navajo men to serve in standard communications units.
- The Navajo Code Talkers used their code to assist in major operations
involving the U.S. Marines in the Pacific Ocean theatre, including
during the battle at Iwo Jima.
- A dozen of Hopi and members of other tribes also used their
own codes.
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