ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
Proposes the establishment of a Native American Code Talkers monument in Wesley Bolin Plaza.
At least seventeen Indian tribes have been identified as having served as Native American Code Talkers during World Wars I and II. During World War II, American military forces had difficulty in the Pacific because the Japanese were breaking codes set up by the marines. In 1942, a Navajo named Philip Johnson presented the idea of using the Navajo language as a code to high ranking Marines, knowing that Native American languages had been used in World War I to encode messages.
Recruiting Navajos was a difficult process as 29 initially enlisted as Navajo Code Talkers. They took part in every assault the U.S. Marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945, transmitting messages by telephone and radio in their native language, which the Japanese never broke.
The Navajo Code Talkers first received recognition in 1968 when the Navajo Code was declassified. Through the efforts of former U.S. Senator Dennis DeConcini, April 14, 1983 was proclaimed Navajo Code Talker Day and on September 17, 1992, the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II were honored at the Pentagon for their contributions with the dedication of the Navajo Code Talker exhibit.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state general fund associated with this legislation.
1. Proposes the establishment of a Native American Code Talkers monument
in Wesley Bolin Plaza.
2. Provides for a general effective date.
MVAA 1/31/02 DPA 9-1-0-0-0
NAA 1/31/02 DPA 3-1-2-0-0
3rd Read 4/3/02 57-0-3-0
Prepared by Senate Staff
April 18, 2002