On Native American Recognition Day, the Arizona Diamondbacks Honor Legendary WWII Hero and Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay, Who Helped Win the Battle of Iwo Jima with His Sacred Language
In a powerful moment of remembrance and gratitude, the Arizona Diamondbacks proudly welcomed World War II veteran and Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay to Chase Field in honor of Native American Recognition Day.
Begay, a member of the Navajo Nation and one of the few remaining Code Talkers, served with the 5th Marine Division in the Pacific Theater during one of the most brutal and pivotal battles of the war—Iwo Jima. Amid relentless gunfire and chaos, he played a vital role by transmitting encrypted messages in the Navajo language, a code the enemy was never able to break.
His voice—guided by tradition, strength, and courage—was one of the many that helped ensure victory in the Pacific and saved countless lives. Today, we salute not only his military heroism, but also the cultural legacy he carried on his shoulders.
Thank you, Thomas Begay, for your bravery, your service, and your unbreakable spirit. You are a true American hero and an enduring symbol of Native American strength and resilience.
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