Bill Henry Toledo, a Navajo Code Talker, passed away on May 5, 2016, at the age of 92. He served as a Code Talker during World War II. Photo from Navajo Code Talkers Association
New Mexico Rep. Doreen Wonda Johnson (D), a member of the Navajo Nation, calls for a National Code Talker Museum in Washington D.C., to recognize the achievements of the tribal citizens who used their languages to help defend their homeland:
When I was first elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives, I was proud to have earned the support of my people of House District 5 in McKinley & San Juan Counties to represent their voice in the Roundhouse. And as a Navajo woman, I brought my unique perspective to the Legislature to build a more secure economic future that also preserves and promotes our Navajo Language and culture. . . . Our sacred sites are just an earlier chapter in a larger story that includes lessons in sacrifice, strength and ingenuity. Sharing these stories with the world is a priority of mine. I have always represented my communities with the utmost respect from the Arizona State Capitol to the halls of Congress in Washington DC, and to the many rural communities across Indian Country during my time with the National Indian Health Board and the National Indian Education Association. As a result, I have teamed up with Senator John Pinto by introducing a memorial to begin the process of building a National Code Talker Museum in Washington D.C., so that their contributions can be understood and recognized carefully. Our freedom is the direct result of the sacrifices of our Navajo Code Talkers during the Second World War.Get the Story:
Doreen Wonda Johnson: It's Time for a Code Talker Museum in D.C. (Indian Country Today 5/10) Also Today:
Navajo Code Talker Bill Henry Toldeo Mourned and Remembered (Good 4 Utah 5/7)
Navajo Code Talker dies in Grants (The Farmington Daily-Times 5/6)
Code Talker Bill Toledo Passes On (Lake Powell Life 5/6)
Bill Henry Toledo, 1924-2016: Navajo Code Talker in New Mexico dies at age 92 (The Santa Fe New Mexican 5/6)
Hero Native American Code Talkers Are Leaving Us (The Alternative Daily 4/25)
Code talker Gilbert Horn laid to rest (The Great Falls Tribune 3/31)
Decorated World War II hero, code talker Gilbert Horn Sr. dies (The Great Falls Tribune 3/30)
Native American who served as 'code talker' during WWII dies at 92 (AP 3/30)
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