Posted on 11/21/2015 8:36:51 PM PST by Jet Jaguar
Editor's note: All flags on the Navajo Nation will be flown at half-staff until June 8 in honor of Nez.
Nez's public viewing will take place June 9 from 5-8 p.m. at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE. A mass will be held June 10 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Blvd. NE. A graveside service will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery from 1:30-2:15 p.m.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Chester Nez, the last original Navajo Code Talker, has passed away in his Albuquerque home.
Nez was recruited with 28 other Native Americans by the U.S. Marines to create a code the Japanese couldn't crack during World War II.
Nez went into kidney failure Wednesday morning. He was 93.
"Many people have met him," said Judy Avila, a friend and author of Nez's memoir. "When you meet him, you're charmed by him."
He was the last living member of the group.
"There were a lot of people and naysayers who said, 'How can these young Navajo men help us?' But it turned out to be the only unbroken spoken code in modern warfare," said Avila.
After Avila wrote the memoir, so many people showed up to a 2011 book signing in Albuquerque that the store sold out.
"I'm just happy that all these people reading (the memoir) will know what my Navajo people did for this country," said Nez.
After the success of the original 29 code talkers, more were recruited. Avila believes about 400 Navajos were enlisted.
The original 29 Code Talkers were given the Congressional Gold Medal in 2001. When then-President George W. Bush stuck out his hand to congratulate Nez, he stood at attention and saluted the commander-in-chief.
naabaahii ahehee’ (Warrior Thank you)
The Greatest Generation...
Salute Sir, See you soon.
The article must not have been deciphered until today.
RIP Hero
RIP our Brother in arms.
It seems like the “last one” has died about 6 times.....
Died: June 4, 2014
They’re made of stern stuff.
He is the last one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers.
They trained an additional 400 Code Talkers, and they are dwindling away now as well.
So yes, there will be more funerals as the Code Talkers pass away over the years.
May these fine men and women be Blessed by God, and may they rest in peace in His arms.
I’m just hearing about this now. RIP brave warrior.
Mr. Chester Nez, may you rest in peace, you precious man.
Thank you and the Navajo Nation for all you have done for
our and your country.
Thank you for the ping, Ciexyz. Much appreciated. We owe
a great debt to the Navajo Code talkers.
I met him two years ago. My son was talking to him, and he was telling him stories about his time as a Green Beret in Vietnam. I purchased one of the parachutist badges he had on display, and we started comparing notes of our experience at Jump School.
My son seemed to be a bit prouder of his dad after that visit...at least for awhile...lol.
One of Joe's uncles was one of the original Code Talkers.
That is just fascinating. I’m delighted that you were able to
swap war stories with Joe Begay as your son was listening to
you and Joe. It’s heartwarming that your son is now prouder
of his dad than ever.
May God Bless you and yours, and God Bless the Code Talkers.
RIP.
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