NAN A. S. HAYWORTH: “As we gather here, returning from our Thanksgiving recess, I think it is especially important to pause and consider the…”

“As we gather here, returning from our Thanksgiving recess, I think it is especially important to pause and consider the contributions made by native peoples, by the first Americans, to our unique constitutional Republic. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent the Sixth Congressional District of Arizona. At the outset of the formulation of this sixth district, nearly one quarter of the constituency is Native American. Especially at this time in our history, when once again the winds of war blow across our planet, and our Nation is involved in protecting our constitutional Republic, it is worth noting that more than any other ethnic or racial group, Native Americans answer the call to duty in our Nation's Armed Forces. Indeed, the contributions of many have been highlighted. Just a few months ago, our Commander in Chief joined us here at the Rotunda of the Capitol to memorialize and recognize the Navajo code talkers, those so vital to our victory in the Pacific theater. I think of Ira Hayes, and what would now be the Gila River Indian community, then simply noted as a Pima Indian, one of those proud Marines who raised our Nation's flag during the battle of Iwo Jima, forever memorialized in the Marine Memorial.”