Political Quotes

“Mr. President, my State of New Mexico has a great tradition of military service. When the Nation has called, New Mexico has always answered. Today I wanted to say a few words to remember Chester Nez, the last of the original 29 Navajo code talkers of World War II. Mr. Nez passed away Wednesday morning in Albuquerque, NM. We are forever indebted to him and his fellow warriors. They turned the Navajo language into an unbelievable code, using the language they were forbidden to speak in school, as a weapon to defend our freedoms in war, freedoms they themselves did not always enjoy. This is a great story of courage, of love of country, of tremendous sacrifice. In battle after battle in ferocious combat, the Navajo code saved countless lives and helped secure the allied victory. In 2001, the original code talkers received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor the Congress can give. Our former colleague, Senator Jeff Bingaman, fought hard for this. I was pleased to push for it in the House. It was richly deserved and long overdue. Mr. Nez was there for the ceremony, and the Presiding Officer, who was in the House with me, may remember we had that ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. It was a great and uplifting day to finally see the Navajo code talkers receive their medals. I said then what I continue to feel now: Their service can never be forgotten and can never be diminished.…”