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Celebrate Navajo Code Talkers Day on August 14th and recognize the invaluable contributions to World War II by a group of dedicated Native American soldiers! During WWII, hundreds of Navajos enlisted in the U.S. Marines as Code Talkers and played an instrumental role in helping win major battles against Japan by creating an unbreakable code out of their native language. It's time to honor these brave servicemen for their sacrifice and commitment to freedom!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1942</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Navajos Enlistment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first group of 29 Navajo recruits is enlisted by the Marine Corps and trained at Camp Elliott, San Diego to develop an unbreakable code.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1943</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Battles of Tarawa and Bougainville</div><div class='timeline-text'>Navajo Code Talkers participate integral roles in victories at the battles of Tarawa and Bougainville.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Iwo Jima Victory</div><div class='timeline-text'>Navajo Code Talkers aid significantly in winning the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest and most strategic battles in the Pacific theater.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1968</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Code Declassification</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Navajo Code is declassified making it public that Navajo language was used to assist in winning WWII.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Navajo Code Talkers Recognition Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Bill Clinton signs the "Navajo Code Talkers Recognition Act" honoring the contributions of the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Navajo Code Talkers Day declared</div><div class='timeline-text'>Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano declares August 14th as an official state holiday: Navajo Code Talkers Day.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Navajo Code Talkers</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about the history of the Navajo Code Talkers and the important role they played in World War II. Read books, watch documentaries and talk to veterans who lived through it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a local event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for events hosted by your local library, museum or historical society that honor the Navajo Code Talkers Day. These events may include lectures, panel discussions or memorials.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Show your appreciation</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write letters of appreciation to living Navajo Code Talkers or their families. You can also write to your local newspaper or public officials to recognize their service.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Fly the flag</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Hang a Navajo Nation flag in a prominent location as an act of respect to the culture and heritage of the Navajo people.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support a cause</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Donate to a charity, organization or program that supports veterans and Indigenous communities. Support education initiatives that will help Native American communities thrive and succeed.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the bravery of the Navajo Code Talkers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Navajo Code Talkers Day is an opportunity to recognize and honor the brave men and women who served as code talkers during WWII. They used their knowledge of the Navajo language to create a complex code that was unbreakable by the enemy, making them an essential part of victory in many battles.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates America's diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Navajo Code Talkers Day reminds us of the importance of celebrating our nation's diversity. The contributions made by these veterans highlight the strength that comes from embracing different cultures and backgrounds, rather than trying to reject them or ignore them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It acknowledges Indigenous culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By commemorating Navajo Code Talkers Day every year, we show our appreciation for Indigenous culture and its importance in American history. This recognition is essential for building bridges between generations and creating a better understanding of Native Americans in modern society.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Navajo Language is Complex and Uniquely Suited for Code Creation</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Navajo language was selected for code creation during World War II because of its complexity in syntax and tonal qualities, making it extremely difficult for non-speakers to comprehend.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Original 29 Navajo Code Talkers Created over 200 New Navajo Words</h3><p class='facts-content'>The initial group of Navajo Code Talkers expanded the Navajo vocabulary by creating over 200 new words, specifically for military terms, to complete the code process.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Code Talkers Maintained Secrecy well after WWII Ended</h3><p class='facts-content'>Even after the war ended, the Code Talkers kept their work a secret as the code remained classified for several more years until 1968, limiting their recognition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 400 Navajo Men Served as Code Talkers</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although initial recruitment was just 29 men, by the end of World War II, over 400 Navajo men had served as Code Talkers, proving their crucial role in the US military strategy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Code Talkers were Awarded the Congressional Silver Medals</h3><p class='facts-content'>In July 2000, after decades of overlooked service, the original 29 Code Talkers or their surviving family members were awarded the Congressional Silver Medal, the nation's highest civilian honor.</p></div></div>
Navajo Code Talkers Day is celebrated on August 14th every year. In 2024, Navajo Code Talkers Day will be celebrated on a Wednesday.
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Aug 14
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2024
Aug 14
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2025
Aug 14
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2026
Aug 14
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2027
Aug 14
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