FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – The City of Flagstaff will celebrate Indigenous Code Talkers with an event on Monday, Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Flagstaff Elks Lodge (2101 N San Francisco St). Members of the public are welcome to attend.
In appreciation of all code talkers, the event will feature an official proclamation and an informational message from Jeri DeCola, niece of the late Tonto Apache Code Talker Paul Burdette. Brandon Piestewa, son of the late Lori Piestewa, U.S. Army Soldier, will serve as the MC and Young Professional Perspective Speaker. There will also be a special honoring of cultural shares by the Cha’Be’Tu Apache Sweethearts and the Cha’Be’Tu Apache Crown Dance Group. A sponsored light breakfast and lunch will be served to attendees.
This event is made possible through the collaboration of members of the Indigenous Commission, local youth voices, businesses, non-profit organizations, and other volunteers who have donated their time and resources.
Members of over 30 Indigenous Nations from the United States participated as Code Talkers in both World War I and World War II. This year marks the 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 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 of their talents and their lives so that others might live. 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 of WWII.
For questions related to the Indigenous Code Talkers celebration, please contact Rose Toehe, City of Flagstaff Indigenous Affairs Administrator at Rose.Toehe@flagstaffaz.gov