Coconino News

The City of Flagstaff will celebrate Indigenous Code Talkers with an event on Monday, Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aquaplex Community Room (1702 N. Fourth St). Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The event will feature a posting of the colors, singing of the Marines Hymn, an official proclamation, and recognition of all Indigenous Code Talkers. A light lunch will be served to attendees.

Members of over 30 Indigenous Nations from the United States participated as Code Talkers in both World War I and World War II. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 14 as National Navajo Code Talkers Day. President Reagan also dedicated the day to honor all Native Americans who gave their talents and their lives so that others might live.

This year marks the 82nd anniversary of the over 400 young Navajo men recruited during World War II as Code Talkers. These young men made up an elite group of U.S. Marines who developed an unbreakable code using their native language. In March 2021, Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation making National Navajo Code Talkers Day a legal state holiday every year, honoring the courage of the Code Talkers and their critical role in the Allied victory in WWII.

For questions related to the Code Talkers event, please contact Rose Toehe, City of Flagstaff Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives at Rose.Toehe@flagstaffaz.gov

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