August 14th, 2024
Native Americans and First Nations peoples were essential to the war efforts during World War II. The name of the holiday refers to the “Navajo code” used to fool Axis powers including the Nazis and Japanese Imperial forces, not just the Navajo tribe. Native American languages were used in WWII as well as in previous wars. For example, the Choctaw tribe's language was called upon to relate coded messages during WWI. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed National Navajo Code Talkers Day to recognize all the tribes for their contributions during the war.
Source: veteran.com/navajo-code-talkers-day/
