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House honors Navajo code talkers with concurrent resolution and hosts Navajo Nation leaders
Summary
The House unanimously passed SCR2 recognizing the Navajo code talkers and designated Aug. 14, 2019 as Navajo Code Talkers Day in Utah; Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and other delegates were present and honored in the chamber.
Representative Watkins introduced SCR2 to recognize and honor the Navajo code talkers for their service in World War II, describing the unique role of Navajo-language code and recounting the code's declassification and subsequent Congressional recognition. He asked the House to designate Aug. 14, 2019 as Navajo Code Talkers Day in Utah and thanked attending dignitaries.
Watkins listed guests in the gallery including Council Delegate and speaker of the 24th Navajo Council Seth Damon, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, delegates Vince James, Elmer Begay, Nathaniel Brown, Herman Daniels and Charlene Soul, plus legal counsel Larry Echo Hawk and the Utah Division of Indian Affairs director Shirley Silversmith. Representative Lyman spoke in favor of the resolution and thanked the visitors.
The resolution passed the House 74-0; the speaker signed and the resolution will be submitted for enrolling. Representative Watkins expressed personal ties to the Navajo community and gratitude for their sacrifice.
Next steps: SCR2 will be signed by the speaker and submitted for enrolling as part of the legislative record.
