![President Russell Begaye, second from left, attends Code Talker Samuel T. Holiday’s 94th birthday party on June 2 in Kayenta. Also pictured is Code Talker John Kinsel, center. Photo Credit: OPVP](/images/resized/images/news/2016/167_jun15/16_100_100.jpg)
President, vice-president honors his legacy
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz.—President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez offer their condolences to the family of Navajo Code Talker Samuel Tom Holiday, who passed away June 11 at age 94.
Born in Monument Valley, Utah, on June 2, 1924, Holiday served with the 4thMarine Division, 25th Regiment during World War II. Part of an elite group of Marines, Holiday sent and received coded messages as he served his country in Saipan, Iwo Jima, Tinian and Marshall Island, in the Pacific Theater.
That code, based on the Navajo language, proved unbreakable and helped the United States win the war. Holiday received a Congressional Silver Medal and...