[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 88 (Monday, June 9, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S3487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING CHESTER NEZ

  Mr. HEINRICH. Madam President, it is an honor to join my colleague 
from New Mexico, Senator Tom Udall, in celebrating the life and service 
of Chester Nez, the last of the original 29 Navajo code talkers, who 
passed away this last Wednesday, and to honor the historic role the 
Native American code talkers played in the allied victory in World War 
II.
  Our Nation's liberties and patriotic spirit were personified by the 
commitment and service and the legacy of Chester Nez. He was a true 
American hero. Chester Nez helped to create an unbreakable code during 
World War II. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps to protect the Nation 
and also his people, language, and culture. He understood the 
significance and the importance of his language, and he used it as a 
shield to defend this Nation.
  Chester Nez chose to enlist in the marines at a young age, not 
knowing he would become part of an elite group of indigenous code 
talkers. Despite growing up in an era where speaking the Navajo 
language was not only prohibited but often punished, his fluency in 
both Navajo and English made him invaluable to the war effort. He was a 
member of the all-Navajo 382nd Marine Platoon entrusted to create a 
code that would prove impenetrable to the Japanese. The 382nd Marine 
Platoon literally changed the course of history.
  After Chester Nez's service, he continued to remain silent about his 
instrumental role as a Navajo code talker, maintaining a quiet, modest, 
and humble lifestyle until the mission was declassified in 1968.
  Later in life Mr. Nez shared his contributions and his experiences in 
World War II with younger generations. He advocated for keeping the 
Navajo language, its traditions, and culture alive so that future 
generations would know how influential the Navajo people and language 
were during World War II.
  Thanks to Mr. Nez and his fellow code talkers, our Nation's 
remarkable spirit continues to thrive and we are forever grateful for 
their service. I join all New Mexicans in keeping Chester Nez's family 
and friends in our thoughts and prayers.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Iowa.

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