Political Quotes

“On this, the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, I want to recognize a group of unique Americans who made an invaluable contribution to winning the war in the Pacific-- Native American Code Talkers. John Werito of southwest Colorado was assigned to the 4th Marine Division in Maui, Hawaii. He first saw action when his division landed on Roi Namur, part of the Marshall Islands, then a Japanese stronghold. From there, the 4th Division took Saipan where Werito was wounded. After recovering from his injuries, he took part in the invasion of Iwo Jima, where he was wounded a second time. He recovered from his injuries on a hospital ship at sea after refusing to be sent home to the U.S. because he wanted to be part of the invasion of Japan, should that be necessary. Back home, Werito settled in Denver where he served as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He passed away in 1983 and is buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Colorado. Werito was posthumously awarded the Silver Congressional Medal of Honor in 2002. His widow, Rose, and children, Nellie and Michael, attended the ceremony in Window Rock, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. I thank Mr. Werito for his courage in fighting a brutal enemy in the Pacific. The Code Walkers of all tribes are a special class of brave warriors who deserve our continued recognition. ____________________”