From the time I first heard of the Navajo Code Talkers, either from documentaries or Hollywood renditions of them, I became fascinated by their history.
For those who are unaware, the Code Talkers, used their Navajo language-encrypted military terms to stymie the Japanese during World War II at Iwo Jima, and other Pacific battles. Between 1942 and 1945, they served in every Marine assault in the South Pacific - helping the U.S. to prevail.
The Code Talkers were sworn to secrecy about the code. Because of its complexity even other Navajo Marines were unable to decipher it.
This Veterans Day, of the 500 Code Talkers, there are only about 50 which continue to survive. However yesterday, thirteen of the Code Talkers - some in wheelchairs, and some using canes, arrived in New York City, for participation for in the country's largest Veterans Day parade today.
Myrl - I've read about the "code talkers" and seen the movie depictions. We owe them and others of the "greatest generation" an enormous debt of gratitude.
Myrl- Like others I have heard of them. What a great way to remember them once again on this Veterans Day. Thanks for bringing their contribution to light once again.
Myrl, what a great way to remember them. I read about the Navajo Code Talkers several years ago. Such a great story that I wish more people knew about. Thanks for sharing it today!
Thank you for sharing that fascinating bit of history. I've always heard about it but never knew exactly what it was. Now, I'm much better informed. I would have liked to have seen the parade too.
William - You're right, the documentary was quite fascinating, and cleaver.
Leslie - I don't really know or remember who came up with the idea for the code, but when you consider most languages would have been known outside our country, how better than to use the language of our original Americans to assist with this.
John - That is my thinking exactly!
Debi - I would have loved to have seen that particular parade as well.
Karen - I bet your husband could provide a lot of information about this important part of history.
Martha - There are many occurrences during our wars that we should remember. I felt this was one of them.
Richard - Me too!
Connie and Janice - You're very welcome!
Toni - PBS produced a great documentary on the Code Warriors. If you haven't seen it already, you can likely get it through Netflix, or Blockbuster. . .or PBS online.
John - There story seems so different from most we hear during war times.
Hi Myrl, I have been fascinated by the Navajo Code Talkers too, so many Native Americans fought. God Bless all who fought - and still fight today - Americans and Allies. Good to remember on Veterans' Day these special men whose code was never broken!
Myrl, I missed any parades yesterday, and wish I had seen that. I am also facinated with the Code Talkers. A very important contribution, yet largely unnoticed.
I'm sure sorry for missen your mighty fine blog post yesterday. In honor these American Heroes.
On 3 June 1940 the Navajo Tribal Council resolved that the Navajo Lndians would stand ready, to aid and defend our Government and its institutins against all subversive and armed conflict.
Thank you kindly for taken the time to write and post this outstanden blog post.
P.S. Thank you kindly for the invite to your group. I did join it last night.
Thanks for sharing this very interesting and important piece of American History, Myrl. I have visited the Navajo reservation many times. They are a great people, and have a wonderful culture. It is my understanding that the Navajo language is not written down and that it was passed on by oral tradition thus making it very hard for an enemy of the US to decipher. Thanks for sharing this with us!!!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
;)
;)
Myrl...I seen a documentary about this on public TV. It was very interesting and clever!