National Navajo Code Talkers Day

A group of Navajo code talkers in military uniforms, with desert landscape in the background, signaling secret coded messages.. — National navajo code talkers day illustration

Welcome, friends, to the super-secret transcript of National Navajo Code Talkers Day! Interestingly, the day doesn't require you to use coded words, but you can opt to do so for the fun of it! Discreetly celebrated on August 14th, this secretive day has caught the internet’s attention, with 8438 virtual whispers and nods, and peaked on August 15, 2019 - one day late is better than never I suppose!

When is Navajo Code Talkers Day?

It's national navajo code talkers day on the 15th August.

Cracking The Code: National Navajo Code Talkers Day

The Navajo Code Talkers were quite literally game-changers in World War II. Instead of relying on easy-to-crack codes, the U.S government recruited the Navajo, an Indigenous people residing in the United States, who took a play straight out of Harry Potter’s book, talking in a language that baffled their enemies till their heads spun.

Using their Navajo language

It was a fantastic hand-me-down the Navajo had - the unique language used in everyday life. The military saw the immense potential this language had to stump the dumbfounded Axis Powers. And it worked. No Polyjuice Potion needed - they were in deep cloak-and-dagger mode.

All in a day's work

These men would spend quotidian days sending and receiving encrypted messages so that our soldiers could outfox the competitors. It was a humdrum routine only out of necessity, not because their days were in any way ordinary.

How we say 'thank you'!

On National Navajo Code Talkers Day, we bring this underground espionage world to light, honoring the Navajo Code Talkers for helping our nation whisper secrets in broad daylight. So, next time you whisper a secret to your BFF, add a touch of Navajo spunk to it. Happy National Navajo Code Talkers Day!

History behind the term 'Navajo Code Talkers'

1940

Formation of the Navajo Code Talkers

In 1940, a group of 29 young Navajo men were recruited by the United States Marine Corps to develop a secret code based on their native language. These young men, known as the Navajo Code Talkers, were instrumental in developing an unbreakable code that played a crucial role in military communications during World War II.

1942

The First Use of Navajo Code

In 1942, the Navajo Code Talkers made their official debut during the Battle of Guadalcanal. They successfully transmitted vital military messages using their unique code, baffling the Japanese forces who were unable to decode or intercept the messages. This marked the beginning of the Navajo Code Talkers' significant contribution to the war effort.

1943

Expansion of the Code Talker Program

By 1943, the success and effectiveness of the Navajo Code Talkers became well-recognized, leading to the recruitment of additional Navajo soldiers to join this specialized unit. The program expanded, and the number of Navajo Code Talkers grew significantly.

1945

End of World War II and Declassification of the Code

With the conclusion of World War II in 1945, the Navajo Code Talkers' vital mission came to an end. The code they developed remained classified until 1968. The Navajo Code Talkers' amazing legacy of secrecy and exceptional service to the country was finally acknowledged and honored.

2001

Recognition and Congressional Gold Medal

In 2001, the Navajo Code Talkers were officially recognized for their invaluable contributions during World War II. They were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. This honor finally brought attention to their remarkable achievements and the significance of their code in military history.

Did you know?

Remember when we thought Pig Latin was the ultimate secret language? Well, the Navajo language was much more efficient and literally life-saving during WWII. Dodging Japanese and German code-breakers, their language served as an unbroken code until the end of the war.