Honoring Native American Code Talkers

Floor Speech

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, November is Native American Heritage Month, and I rise today to honor the many contributions that Native Americans have made and continue to make to our Nation's proud history and culture.

Earlier today, we awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to 26 tribes whose members served as code talkers during World War II and World War I, including the Pueblo of Acoma, which is one of 22 Native tribes that call New Mexico home. At a later date, we will honor seven more code talker tribes, including another from New Mexico, the Pueblo of Laguna.

The code talkers proudly served our country with great honor and distinction. They transmitted vital information during some of the most dangerous battles, including every assault the marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. Without the code talkers, the world wars would have lasted longer and America would have suffered many more casualties.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna and the other code talker tribes are officially getting the thanks and recognition they deserve from a very grateful Nation.

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