Ten East Valley Young Marines and adult volunteers from Chandler joined 76 others from across the country in Window Rock on Aug. 14 to honor and learn from the few living World War II heroes — the Navajo Code Talkers — and their families.

The Navajo code talkers, selected by the U.S. Marine Corps, took part in every assault the U.S. Marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. They transmitted messages by telephone and radio in their native Diné language, a code that the Japanese never broke, according to a news release.

The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) youth leadership and development program for boys and girls who are age 8 through completion of high school.

The organization promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members, the release states. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline, so young people can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

Each year, on Aug. 14, the Navajo Nation celebrates this elite group of World War II veterans. These 29 servicemen, who served the U.S. country, today are only represented by two living veterans.

Since 2006, the Young Marines have traveled to northeastern Arizona each year — except during COVID-19 — to celebrate the Navajo Code Talkers and to meet the few remaining survivors in person and listen to their stories.

The 10 Young Marines and adult volunteers from the East Valley unit are Luke-Jesse Briseño, Iago Briseño, Abraham-Augustine Briseño, Sunny Briseño, Kyle Drake, Naysa Needham, Audra Needham, Rebekah Needham, Jackie Needham and Tim Needham.

The East Valley Young Marines and adult volunteers escorted the veterans to various events. They planned and participated in a community service clean-up at the Navajo Nation Zoo.

The group also climbed the Navajo Code Talkers Monument in Window Rock. A major activity during the three days of service was to march in the Ruck March and the Young Marines held a 5K run to commemorate them.

“Our participating Young Marines were grateful and honored to interact with the remaining Code Talkers, their relatives and their supporters at Window Rock this week,” said Col William P. Davis USMC (Ret.), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. “The Navajo Code Talkers played a vital role in securing victory during World War II, creating an unbreakable code based on their Native language that baffled enemy forces and saved countless American lives. Their courage and ingenuity not only shortened the war but also highlighted the strength of cultural heritage in service to the nation.”

For more information the East Valley Young Marines, click here.

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