[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CODE TALKERS RECOGNITION ACT OF 2008

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                               speech of

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2008

  Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I am a proud cosponsor and supporter of H.R. 
4544, the Code Talkers Recognition Act. I commend Mr. Boren for 
introducing this important legislation.
  We all know that during World War II, Americans from across the 
country came together and did what they could to defend our Nation. In 
recent years we have learned more about the efforts of a particular 
group of people that had an enormous influence in the success of the 
U.S. military, especially in the Pacific theater--the Native American 
code talkers.
  Code talkers used their native languages to transmit indecipherable 
messages for the military. Native code talkers were unique because 
their languages were not widely known by our enemies, let alone many 
people in the United States. The code talkers' ability to communicate 
with other tribal members in their own language gave the United States 
a substantial advantage on the battlefield.
  Although more people are now familiar with Navajo code talkers from 
World War II, that was not the first time that we employed Native 
American code talkers. The United States also used code talkers in 
World War I. Their efforts during both wars were critical, and I am 
glad that we have come to understand and appreciate the value of their 
contributions.
  While all veterans' service is worthy of our thanks, I want to 
highlight the commitment made by the code talker veterans of World War 
I because Native Americans were not citizens of the United States until 
1924. World War I code talkers were serving our country nobly even 
before they were recognized as citizens. In fact, Native Americans have 
served in the military dating back to the revolutionary war, and they 
have the highest per capita participation in the U.S. military of any 
ethnic group. It is appropriate we honor their service and sacrifice 
today.
  Congress previously recognized the Navajo code talkers. However, 
approximately 14 Indian tribes are known to have had tribal members 
serve as code talkers. Mr. Boren's legislation would recognize the 
efforts of all code talkers. I commend his efforts, but more 
importantly I commend our Native American veterans for their commitment 
and service to their country. I urge passage of H.R. 4544.

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