Learning From Navajo Code Talkers

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (ANS)—One of the marvelous facets of living in New Mexico is the Native American influence found in the cultural life of the state.

New Mexico turned 100 years old this year—2012, admitted as part of the United States in 1912, with most of the political groundwork laid by President Theodore Roosevelt. Yet, President William Taft signed the Proclamation of Statehood on January 6, making New Mexico the 47th state of the United States of America.

Though New Mexico was new to the United States in 1912, its culture, life, and history was—and is—some of the oldest in North America. Between the oldest continually inhabited cities in the U.S. (Acoma and Taos) to the ancient cultures of Chaco and Bandolier, New Mexico has a unique blend of Native life spanning thousands of years.

On any given day in New Mexico one can drive between a variety of Native American reservations: Pueblo (19 are found in New Mexico), Apache, and Navajo. The bottom line: Native culture is manifold.

Recently I had the privilege of attending a Native American Days festival held in Albuquerque at the Old Town Plaza, founded by Spanish colonists in 1709.

The two-day event consisted of dance, arts, and music. On the Saturday I attended, two-time Grammy award winner, Robert Mirabal, playing an assortment of flutes, and Shelly Morningsong, playing flute and singing, provided music.

Yet, for many, it was the brief speech given by two Navajo Code Talkers that was the highlight of the event.

For those not familiar with the Navajo Code Talkers, a brief history follows.

The son of missionaries, Philip Johnston, was the first to suggest that the Navajo language might be of use to the US during World War II. Johnston learned the Navajo language in Arizona while his father, William Johnston, was working along side the Navajo people.

At the turn of the century, Philip traveled to Washington, D.C with his father and local Navajo leaders to meet with President Roosevelt. The intention of the meeting was to discuss Navajo land rights. Philip was the Navajo/English translator between the local Navajo leaders and President Roosevelt. Philip later served in the armed forces during World War I (1914–1918).

At the outset of World War II, Philip proposed the idea of the U.S. using the Navajo language as code. As a trial, the Marines recruited four Navajos living in the Los Angeles area. The program was so successful, the acting General, Clayton Vogel, put the plan into action.

On May 4, 1942, twenty-nine Navajo recruits boarded a bus at Ft. Defiance, Arizona, and were sent to San Diego for active duty, beginning their seven weeks of recruit training.

The rest, if you will, is history.

The end result is that the Navajo Code Talkers helped win the war. The Japanese couldn’t break the code, so communication was unbroken, giving the US the upper hand in the Pacific.

Since that time, movies have been made (Windtalkers with Nicholas Cage and Adam Beach), documentaries created (History Channel) and many books written by the surviving members.

I for one have met several of the Code Talkers around the Albuquerque area, including Chester Nez, whose book, Code Talker, was recently published. Likewise, I’ve been able to see the Code Talker memorial in Window Rock, Arizona. It’s a wonderful tribute.

All this to say that on the Saturday afternoon during the Native American Days, prior to Robert Mirabal taking the stage, two Navajo Code talkers addressed those assembled.

To begin with, the crowd rose and gave the two men a standing ovation, lasting a few minutes. Then a hush fell upon the people as the men spoke.

Between the two, they communicated several important truths: community, children, and peace.

First, they told the assembled crowd that community is important. To live in harmony with those around you was worth fighting for. They challenged us to seek community—or beauty—as we interact with all people.

Second, they asked that we not forget our children, to love and guide them, for they are the future. And again, they are worth fighting for.

Third, and this was the unique part, they asked us to seek peace. Though they fought during World War II, war was not the answer. We need to seek peace, and only as a final measure, take up arms to protect that which we hold dear.

I looked around the crowd: an assortment of people, from all walks of life listened intently. Black, Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American people were pondering the words. Some had tears in their eyes, other people sat in silence.

I, for one, thought of Saint Paul’s words in Romans 12: 8, where he states, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (NLT). Furthermore, I thought of Deuteronomy 6:7, where Moses encourages the Hebrew people to teach children the things of God.

I also thought of Jesus’ words to His disciples, to love one another (John 13:34); and the early Christians who lived in community, sharing, giving, and nurturing one another (Acts 2: 44).

So though I don’t know the religious affiliation of the Navajo men, I can say that what they were speaking resonated with biblical teachings. Christians are called to live in a loving community, to nurture our children, and to seek peace.

This side of glory, we may stumble with our quest to live the life presented in the Bible, but seeking to do so, we will, as Jesus promised (Matthew 7: 7), be closer to find.

I’m pleased these Navajo Code Talkers reminded me about biblical truths, truths all people hold dear.

Maybe God was using His own code to impart eternal reality to the gathered crowd through these men. You never know. God has used wind, waves, and even animals. Why not use two Navajo men who helped with a war, but who now speak of community, our children, and peace.

That’s code enough for me.

To learn more about the Navajo Code Talkers, go to the official website at: http://www.navajocodetalkers.org

© 2012 Assist News Service. Used with permission.

Brian Nixon is a writer, musician, minister and family man.