Crane & Biggs Honor Navajo Code Talkers on National Navajo Code Talkers Day

Arizona Representatives Eli Crane and Andy Biggs paid tribute Thursday to the Navajo Code Talkers as the nation celebrated National Navajo Code Talkers Day, honoring the Native American heroes whose communication system gave Allied forces a life-changing advantage in World War II.

Representative Eli Crane emphasized the lasting significance of their contribution. 

"The Navajo Code Talkers represent the very best of America, and we will never forget their historic efforts to help win World War II," Crane stated. 

Representative Andy Biggs showed appreciation on how important they were in the war effort as well. 

"The Navajo Code Talkers were instrumental in the Allied forces' victory in WWII," Biggs said. "We are thankful for their service and will never forget their dedication and sacrifices."

The Unbreakable Code

The story behind the Code Talkers reveals one of World War II's most remarkable military innovations. Recognizing that enemy forces had successfully intercepted and decoded traditional military communications, U.S. forces turned to the complexity of Native American languages to create an unbreakable cipher.

The Navajo language became the foundation of the few codes never broken during war. The system worked on multiple levels: Code Talkers would communicate in Navajo, then apply additional encoding techniques, including creative word substitution. 

For example, common Navajo bird names were used to represent different weapons of war.

The results were extraordinary. According to Central Intelligence Agency records, Navajo Code Talkers could translate, transmit, and re-translate coded messages in approximately 150 seconds, a process that typically took hours using specific methods.

A Multi-Tribal Effort

While the anniversary utilizes the Navajo name, it honors all Native American tribes that participated in military code operations. 

When surprise attacks on German forces were planned using the Choctaw language during World War I, their language persevered. Tribes such as the Cherokee, Comanche, and Hopi nations also made contributions to the military effort.

Throughout the Pacific Front of World War II, some 400 Code Talkers were trained and sent into action. Military professionals believe their involvement was so important that it may have been impossible for the United States to win the Battle of Iwo Jima without them.

Long-Awaited Recognition

The Code Talkers' heroism remained classified for decades after the war ended. The program wasn't declassified until 1968, meaning these veterans couldn't receive public recognition for their service for more than 20 years after the war had ended.

President Ronald Reagan established National Navajo Code Talkers Day in 1982, finally giving the heroes national recognition.

August 14th appreciation serves as a reminder of the unique cultural heritage and many languages of Native American communities. 

"We remain forever grateful for their willingness to stand in the breach, risk everything, and help deliver us from the hands of our enemies." Crane concluded.