World

Navajo Code Talkers break silence for Veterans Day

by Barry Artiste | November 11, 2009 at 07:39 am

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Barry Artiste Op/Ed

As Remembrance Day ceremonies begin the (Western) world over, the unspoken word speaks, Codetalkers, made famous in the movies of the same name, shows Native Americans contributions to the war effort that dying languages of Native Americans do and will have their uses not only for Native Americans, but for all of us. For if not for these original 29 Codetalkers, many generations of Americans would not be alive today. Perhaps a moment of silence for those who have been unheard, but a moment of clarity to those whose silence has been spoken.

A link below on my previous story on First Nations dying language and the importance of keeping dying languages alive for prosperity.

http://my.nowpublic.com/world/dozens-aboriginal-languages-near-death-unesco

NEW YORK (AP) — The famed Navajo Code Talkers, the elite Marine unit whose unbreakable code stymied the Japanese in World War II, fear their legacy will die with them.

Only about 50 of the 400 Code Talkers are believed to be still alive, most living in the Navajo Nation reservation that spans Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Many are frail or ill, with little time left to tell the world about their wartime contribution.

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Hugh Askew

at 08:05 on November 11th, 2009

Nice post, Barry.

Karen Hatter

at 08:18 on November 11th, 2009

Great story, Barry.

Barry Artiste

at 08:21 on November 11th, 2009

Thanks to you both, funny how some (Governments) find uses for languages in time of war, but in peacetime let it go by the wayside.

Rory Cripps

at 15:43 on November 11th, 2009

Barry: Isn't it interesting that Native Americans, who could have easily justified an axe to grind against the American government, turned out to be heroes during WWII? The same can be said for the Japanese-Americans in the 442nd--21 Medals Of Honor earned there! And let's not forget the American Jews that served during WWII. The list goes on . . . . If there's any point to my comment, it's this: When it comes to fighting the good fight for freedom, liberty, and justice, there will always, and everywhere, be people that will fight for that common cause and willingly sacrifice their lives if need be . . . .