Navajo Nation is hosting celebrations in Window Rock, Arizona, today in honor of National Navajo Code Talkers Day to recognize the brave Diné men whose service was crucial to the United States' victory in World War II. Today’s events take place from 8 a.m. —6 p.m. MST at Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park and include a parade, an honor run by NavajoYES, a welcome address, speakers, descendants exhibit, and gourd dancing. The day honoring the Navajo Code Talkers, a group of Diné citizens who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II using the Navajo language to transmit secret tactical messages, was established by a proclamation issued by then-president Ronald Reagan.
With only three code talkers remaining, organizers of the Navajo Code Talkers Day festivities are determined to show proper respect and recognition to these legendary war heroes.