On Friday, August 14th, the Arizona American Legion Department attended Navajo Code Talker Day at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. 101-year-old Darrell Bedoni kicked things off with several Native American songs on his flutes. Following the opening prayer, the San Carlos Apache Veterans Association presented the colors and the singing of the National Anthem. There were several guest speakers, and then they recognized Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay, who served at Iwo Jima, where a handful of code talkers sent 800 messages without error. The Japanese were never able to break the code talkers’ messages. Ross Bergstresser, Arizona American Legion Department Commander, presented a wreath in partnership with the VFW. The color guard retrieved the colors to a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps. Descendants of the Navajo Code Talkers gathered by the monument. Several carried pictures of their relatives in uniform. It was a very educational and moving ceremony all morning long and a great salute to the Navajo Code Talkers.
