Download Zipped Introduced WordPerfect HJR009.ZIP
[Status][Bill Documents][Fiscal Note][Bills Directory]

H.J.R. 9

             1     

NAVAJO CODE TALKERS' JOINT RESOLUTION

             2     
2011 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Christine F. Watkins

             5     
Senate Sponsor: David P. Hinkins

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This joint resolution of the Legislature urges Congress and certain federal agencies to
             10      support and preserve the Navajo Code Talkers' legacy and their substantial contribution
             11      to the nation.
             12      Highlighted Provisions:
             13          This resolution:
             14          .    urges the United States Congress, the Department of the Interior, the Department of
             15      Veterans Affairs, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of
             16      Defense, the Department of Agriculture, the State Department, and the Department
             17      of Energy to support the preservation of the Navajo Code Talkers' remarkable
             18      legacy.
             19      Special Clauses:
             20          None
             21     
             22      Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             23          WHEREAS, the few, living Navajo Code Talkers are undertaking a multi-year project
             24      to build an educational, historical, and humanitarian facility that will bring pride to Native
             25      American and non-native American communities alike;
             26          WHEREAS, this project will educate both young and old and conserve the instruments
             27      of freedom gifted to the American people by an awe-inspiring group of young Navajo men who


             28      served the country during World War II;
             29          WHEREAS, during World War II, these modest young Navajo men fashioned from the
             30      Navajo language the only unbreakable code ever recorded in military history;
             31          WHEREAS, these Navajo radio operators transmitted the code throughout the dense
             32      jungles and exposed beachheads of the Pacific Theater from 1942 to 1945, passing over 800
             33      error-free messages in 48 hours at Iwo Jima alone;
             34          WHEREAS, the bravery and ingenuity of these young Navajo men gave the United
             35      States and Allied Forces the upper hand they so desperately needed in the Pacific, hastened the
             36      war's end, and assured victory for the United States;
             37          WHEREAS, after being sworn to secrecy for 23 years after Word War II, these young
             38      Navajo men eventually came to be known as Navajo Code Talkers and were honored by
             39      President George W. Bush more than 50 years after the war with congressional gold and silver
             40      medals in 2001;
             41          WHEREAS, the Navajo Code Talkers are now in their eighties, and with fewer than 50
             42      remaining from the original 400, the urgency to capture and share their stories and memorabilia
             43      from their service in World War II is critical;
             44          WHEREAS, these American treasures and revered elders of the Navajo Nation have
             45      come together to tell their story, one that has never been heard, from their own hearts and in
             46      their own words;
             47          WHEREAS, the Navajo Code Talkers' heroic story of an ancient language, valiant
             48      people, and a decisive victory that changed the path of modern history is the greatest story
             49      never told;
             50          WHEREAS, the Navajo Code Talkers ultimately envision a lasting memorial, the
             51      Navajo Code Talkers' Museum and Veterans Center, on donated private land;
             52          WHEREAS, the Navajo Code Talkers' mission is to create a place where their legacy of
             53      service will inspire others to achieve excellence and instill core values of pride, discipline, and
             54      honor in all those who visit the Center; and
             55          WHEREAS, through the lead efforts of the Navajo Code Talkers' Foundation and many
             56      partners and individuals, the Navajo Code Talkers' legacy, history, language, and code will be
             57      preserved to benefit all future generations:
             58          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah


             59      urges the United States Congress, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Defense,
             60      the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Health and Human Services, the
             61      Department of Agriculture, the State Department, and the Department of Energy to support and
             62      preserve the Navajo Code Talkers' remarkable legacy.
             63          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the
             64      Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of
             65      Representatives, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of
             66      Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Agriculture, the
             67      Secretary of State, the Secretary of Energy, and to the members of Utah's congressional
             68      delegation.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 12-13-10 1:09 PM


Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


[Bill Documents][Bills Directory]