"The theme of the 2009 Navajo Shiprock Fair is "A salute to Diné Heritage."

Yet, an unfortunate lack of communications may result in one of the Navajo Nation's most iconic images failing to be represented in Shiprock this year.

There are no plans for Saturday morning's annual fair parade to include the Navajo Code Talkers.

It's hard to imagine the World War II heroes being left out of any Navajo parade, let alone any meaningful one such as Shiprock's big event.

Yet, because the cost of an entry into the parade is $250, and because the entry form says there are no waivers, the Navajo Code Talkers Association felt it didn't have the money to cover the costs.

Not to mention, something seems wrong about the idea of having heroes such as these men, what few survive, having to pay to be honored in a parade.

So, as of this writing Thursday afternoon, there are no plans for the Code Talkers to be included.

That, my friends, is a crying shame."

Get the Story:
Troy Turner: Navajo parade is minus one (The Farmington Daily Times 10/2)

Also Today:
Elders kick up their heels at 98th Shiprock Navajo Fair (The Farmington Daily Times 10/2)