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Navajo Code Talkers Day

Honor the Navajo Code Talkers on Navajo Code Talkers Day - a day dedicated to recognizing their unwavering patriotism and service!

Friday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 14

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYNative American

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate Navajo Code Talkers Day on August 14th and recognize the invaluable contributions to World War II by a group of dedicated Native American soldiers! During WWII, hundreds of Navajos enlisted in the U.S. Marines as Code Talkers and played an instrumental role in helping win major battles against Japan by creating an unbreakable code out of their native language. It's time to honor these brave servicemen for their sacrifice and commitment to freedom!

TIMELINE

Navajo Code Talkers Day Timeline

Navajos Enlistment

The first group of 29 Navajo recruits is enlisted by the Marine Corps and trained at Camp Elliott, San Diego to develop an unbreakable code.

Battles of Tarawa and Bougainville

Navajo Code Talkers participate integral roles in victories at the battles of Tarawa and Bougainville.

Iwo Jima Victory

Navajo Code Talkers aid significantly in winning the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest and most strategic battles in the Pacific theater.

Code Declassification

The Navajo Code is declassified making it public that Navajo language was used to assist in winning WWII.

Navajo Code Talkers Recognition Act

President Bill Clinton signs the "Navajo Code Talkers Recognition Act" honoring the contributions of the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II.

Navajo Code Talkers Day declared

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano declares August 14th as an official state holiday: Navajo Code Talkers Day.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Navajo Code Talkers Day

Learn about Navajo Code Talkers

Take some time to learn about the history of the Navajo Code Talkers and the important role they played in World War II. Read books, watch documentaries and talk to veterans who lived through it.

ATTEND

Attend a local event

Look for events hosted by your local library, museum or historical society that honor the Navajo Code Talkers Day. These events may include lectures, panel discussions or memorials.

SHOW

Show your appreciation

Write letters of appreciation to living Navajo Code Talkers or their families. You can also write to your local newspaper or public officials to recognize their service.

FLY

Fly the flag

Hang a Navajo Nation flag in a prominent location as an act of respect to the culture and heritage of the Navajo people.

SUPPORT

Support a cause

Donate to a charity, organization or program that supports veterans and Indigenous communities. Support education initiatives that will help Native American communities thrive and succeed.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Navajo Code Talkers Day is Important

It acknowledges Indigenous culture

By commemorating Navajo Code Talkers Day every year, we show our appreciation for Indigenous culture and its importance in American history. This recognition is essential for building bridges between generations and creating a better understanding of Native Americans in modern society.

It honors the bravery of the Navajo Code Talkers

Navajo Code Talkers Day is an opportunity to recognize and honor the brave men and women who served as code talkers during WWII. They used their knowledge of the Navajo language to create a complex code that was unbreakable by the enemy, making them an essential part of victory in many battles.

It celebrates America's diversity

Navajo Code Talkers Day reminds us of the importance of celebrating our nation's diversity. The contributions made by these veterans highlight the strength that comes from embracing different cultures and backgrounds, rather than trying to reject them or ignore them.