SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 32

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

John Pinto

A JOINT MEMORIAL

EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THE NAVAJO CODE TALKERS ASSOCIATION AND REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR A NAVAJO CODE TALKER MUSEUM AND VETERANS' CENTER.

     WHEREAS, the Navajo code talkers association plans to develop and construct a Navajo code talker museum and veterans' center as a perpetual monument to the legacy of the Navajo code talkers, one which will provide historical, cultural and educational opportunities for many people; and

     WHEREAS, the United States marine corps along with the Navajo code talkers used the Navajo language to develop and establish a unique code that was not broken by the enemies of the United States, and these efforts in World War II were significant, and without them, the United States might not have been victorious; and

     WHEREAS, the distinguished contribution of these aging warriors is immeasurable, their bravery unquestionable and their honored place in history rightly deserved; and

     WHEREAS, the Navajo code talkers association veterans' nonprofit organization is composed of Navajo veterans of World War II who were the Navajo code talkers and their descendants; and 

     WHEREAS, the association intends to preserve and honor the legacy of the Navajo code talkers and to provide much-needed facilities and services to support and honor those veterans; and 

     WHEREAS, the association has a mission to plan and develop a Navajo code talker museum and veterans' center in support of the legacy of the Navajo code talkers and other veterans; and

     WHEREAS, a Navajo code talker museum and veterans' center will perpetuate the heroism of the Navajo code talkers and instill the ideals of the Navajo code talkers in future generations through educational and charitable activities; and

     WHEREAS, a museum and veterans' center will provide a venue in which people from across the United States and around the world can learn more about these heroes; and

     WHEREAS, a museum and veterans' center will provide recognition and public gratitude for, and capture the histories and stories of, Navajo code talkers and will offer practicable services to veterans; and 

     WHEREAS, a Navajo code talker museum and veterans' center will need technical assistance and major funding to construct a museum, veterans' center, Navajo language institute, native healing area and related amenities and infrastructure; and 

     WHEREAS, the Navajo code talkers intend to, and can, develop and design the project to be economically feasible and self-sustaining in the long term; and

     WHEREAS, a Navajo code talker museum and veterans' center will be a unique tourist destination that will enhance the local community and economy by providing tourism-related jobs, services and amenities to residents of the Navajo Nation, McKinley county, northwest New Mexico and the state; 

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it express its appreciation to the Navajo code talkers association for undertaking this initiative and that it respectfully request that the United States congress provide funding to support the planning, design and construction of a Navajo code talker museum and veterans' center; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the president of the Navajo Nation, the speaker of the Navajo Nation council, the New Mexico congressional delegation, the Navajo code talkers association and the governor.

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