Manuel Lujan: “Only to say again, Mr. Gosar, as we celebrate tonight, to never forget about the contributions of the Navajo people to…”

“Only to say again, Mr. Gosar, as we celebrate tonight, to never forget about the contributions of the Navajo people to our great Nation, with the work that they've done not only through the Cold War, but going back to all the work that was done. {time} 1950 As we pointed out earlier, in the words of Major Howard Connor, if it were not for the Navajos, the marines never would have taken Iwo Jima. It's a great night to be here to celebrate, and I thank you for bringing us together. I would like to submit into the Record an article from the Santa Fe New Mexican, dated August 29, 2010, also capturing the story telling and talking about Mr. Chester Nez, as well as the article, ``The Last of the Navajo Code Talkers,'' by Laurel Morales, which was listed in the Fronteras Desk. [From the SantaFeNewMexican.com, Aug. 29, 2010] An Original Code Talker Keeps Tale Alive--Few Remaining Members of Elite Navajo Marine Unit (By Felicia Fonseca) Albuquerque.--Tourists hurry inside a shop here to buy books about the famed Navajo Code Talkers, warriors who used their native language as their primary weapon. Outside, on a walk sheltered from the sun, nine of the Code Talkers sit at a table autographing the books. Each is an old man now. They wear similar caps and shirts, the scarlet and gold of the Marine Corps, and turquoise jewelry. One of these men, who signs his name as Cpl. Chester Nez, is distinguished from the others. Below his signature, he jots down why: 1st Original 29.…”