Window Rock Tribal Park & Veteran's Memorial — Attraction in Fort Defiance Agency

Honoring The Legendary Navajo Nation Code Talkers Window Rock. Visiting the monument located in Window Rock, Navajo Nation-Arizona, dedicated the our country's hero's, the WWII Code Talkers.

The Legendary Navajo Code Talkers

During World War II, in the South Pacific Theater, the Japanese were extremely proficient at breaking into Military codes. The U.S. Armed forces needed to find a secure method of communication if they were to have any chance of defeating a clever and intelligent foe. To counter the cleverness of the Japanese cryptographers, 29 Navajo Marines were recruited to devise a secret military code using their native language. By war's end, there were over 400 Navajo Marines serving as code talkers and the code vocabulary had doubled. So successful was this innovative code that the Marine Corps commanders credited it with saving the lives of countless American Marines and soldiers. It enabled their successful engagements throughout the Pacific Theater which included the battles for Guadalcanal, Wake Island, Tarawa, Saipan, Guam, Midway, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The code paved the way to early victory for the allied forces in the South Pacific. Major Howard M. Conner, 5th Marine Division Signal Officer stationed on Iwo Jima, commented on the gallantry of the Navajo Code Talkers: "Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would not have taken Iwo Jima."

Far from their homes, these brave young Navajo Marines served our nation with honor and dignity. The tale of their exploits remained a closely guarded secret for decades in the event that the Navajo Code Talkers unique talents would be needed again. In 1968 the Navajo code was finally declassified. In July 2001, at the National Capital Rotunda, United States President, the honorable George W. Bush, awarded the Congressional Gold Medals to the first 29 Navajo Code Talkers, their surviving spouses or children. In November of 2001 at the Navajo Nation capital of Window Rock Arizona, the Congressional Silver Medals were awarded to the rest of the Navajo Code Talkers, their surviving spouses or children.

SADLY, MANY OF THE NAVAJO CODE TALKERS HAVE PASSED ON NEVER KNOWING OF THE HONOR A GRATEFUL NATION HAS BESTOWED UPON THEM. THE NAVAJO CODE TALKERS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Dine' Bizaad Yee Atah Naayee' Yik'eh Deesdlii

Music Copyright: Yeha Noha (Wishes of Happiness and Prosperity) by Sacred Spirit

Thank you for your service. Travis Batt batt.us...

Window Rock Tribal Park & Veteran's Memorial is a deeply moving and culturally significant destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical reverence. Located in the heart of the Navajo Nation, this park is centered around the iconic Window Rock, a stunning sandstone arch known as Tseghahoodzani, which has been a sacred site for centuries. The park's Veteran's Memorial is a powerful tribute to the Navajo Code Talkers and all Navajo veterans who have served in the U.S. military. The memorial features a statue of a Code Talker, a circular path symbolizing the rising and setting sun, and 16 steel bayonets honoring those who have fallen. It's a poignant reminder of the significant contributions Navajo soldiers have made to American history, particularly during World War II. The park is beautifully maintained, with a serene atmosphere that invites reflection and contemplation. Visitors can walk the circular path, take in the views of Window Rock, and learn about the history and cultural significance of the site. The proximity to other attractions like the Navajo Nation Museum and the Navajo Zoo makes it a great stop for anyone interested in exploring...

A cool place to visit if you don’t mind going off the beaten path a bit when traveling I-40. I had just finished reading a nonfiction book about the code talkers. I knew I would be traveling by on my way to New Mexico so I planned a stop with my son. The memorial is beautiful with the window rock behind it. Unfortunately because it is so far from the interstate not many people know about it or the important contribution the Navajo code talkers made to our country. I was a little disappointed at the state of the memorial. I visited in July and there were still Christmas wreaths hanging (some laying on the ground), dead and it made the whole thing look really sad. I didn’t feel it my place to climb over the small gate to pick them up and throw them away. I assume that someone did prior to the code talkers day and celebration in August. The drive through the mountains is breath taking, and although this stop added a few extra hours to my trip, I’m glad I made it. Next trip to visit my parents I’ll probably stop at the...