Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer, Navajo Code Talkers Samuel F. Sandoval, Thomas H. Begay, and former Chairman of the Navajo Nation Peter MacDonald, Sr., Arizona State Sen. Jamescita Peshlakai, Arizona House of Representatives Speaker Russell Bowers, and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey during a signing ceremony of SB 1802 at the Arizona State Capitol on August 19, 2021.
PHOENIX-Governor Doug Ducey of Arizona recently signed SB 1802 into law, recognizing August 14th as National Navajo Code Talkers Day and a state holiday.
During World War II, the Navajo Code Talkers answered the call to defend the United States of America using the impenetrable code based on the Navajo language that is widely acknowledged as a deciding factor in the war effort.
On July 28, 1982, former U.S. President Ronald Reagan designated August 14th as National Navajo Code Talkers Day. The day has honored the Navajo Code Talkers, but now leaders in Arizona have elevated the day to a state holiday.
"We pay tribute to the Navajo Code Talkers for their courageous service in World War II. At the time of their enlistments, they were very young men, but they answered the call of duty and unknowingly built a humble legacy for the Navajo people recognized throughout the world. By using Diné Bizaad, our Navajo language, they helped win the war and protect our freedom today. Their service and leadership will forever live on in our hearts and memories," said Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer. "Today, we thank Governor Ducey for signing this historical bill to honor all Navajo and Native American veterans.
Arizona SB 1802 was sponsored by Sen. Peshlakai, a member of the Navajo Nation, and received unanimous support from the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives.
During the ceremony, Navajo Code Talker Peter MacDonald, Sr., Samuel F. Sandoval, and Thomas H. Begay thanked Arizona leaders for recognizing and honoring their service to defend the country. Descendants of Navajo Code Talkers who have passed also attended the event. "The Navajo Code Talkers define and exemplify the resiliency of our Nation and our people," said Lizer.
