National Code Talker day to bring 101-year-old veteran to Phoenix
Summary
During World War II, hundreds of Navajo soldiers created a secret code using their native language to help the U.S. win battles in the Pacific. August 14 is recognized as National Code Talker Day to honor these soldiers and other Native Americans who served. A 101-year-old Navajo Code Talker, Thomas H. Begay, will attend a celebration in Phoenix.Key Facts
- The Navajo Code Talkers developed a secret code based on their language to send military messages during WWII.
- This code helped the U.S. military defeat Japanese forces in the Pacific.
- More than 400 Navajo men served as Code Talkers between 1942 and 1945.
- Their mission stayed secret for years; they were not allowed to talk about it even after the war.
- In 1982, President Ronald Reagan officially declared August 14 as Navajo Code Talkers Day.
- Other Native American tribes also contributed languages for military codes during the world wars.
- Over 40,000 Native Americans served in the U.S. armed forces during WWII.
- A 101-year-old Code Talker, Thomas H. Begay, is one of the last surviving members and will attend the Phoenix event.
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