Governor Jan Brewer Commemorates 30th Anniversary of National Navajo Code Talkers Day!

Statement by Governor Jan Brewer

Commemorating 30^th Anniversary of National Navajo Code Talkers Day

“Thirty years ago today, President Reagan proclaimed August 14 as National Navajo Code Talkers Day – the first official accolade given to these true American heroes following their invaluable contribution to our country’s victory in World War II.

“Today, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit the Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial, in Window Rock, as we paid tribute to the more than 400 men whose language was the basis for ‘the unbreakable code’ that proved instrumental in saving countless American lives. As with all of our WWII veterans, the time we have left with our remaining Code Talkers must be cherished. We can never fully re-pay them for coming to our nation’s aid during its darkest of times, but we can honor their service and memorialize their sacrifice.

“On this special anniversary, I ask that Arizonans join me in offering our gratitude to the Navajo Code Talkers. As President Reagan so eloquently declared three decades ago, these men ‘defended the only land they have ever known, asking for nothing more than opportunity in return.’”