releases: https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-honors-native-american-code-talkers-congressional-gold
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-honors-native-american-code-talkers-congressional-gold | Rep. Ron Kind Honors Native American Code Talkers at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) helped honor the 33 Native American tribes with members who served as military code talkers during WWI and WWII, in a ceremony held today at the U.S. Capitol. It was my distinct honor to be a part of this ceremony recognizing these great patriots,said Rep. Kind. Native American code talkers, many of whom came from Wisconsin, played a key role in advancing the United States toward victory while saving the lives of countless Americans in uniform. Speaking at the ceremony, Rep. Kind described the service of the Code Talkers, who transmitted secret messages of critical tactical importance using their native tribal languages. The Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008, cosponsored by Rep. Kind, authorized the creation of medals to honor the valor and dedication of Native American Code Talkers. Wisconsin Tribes honored at today's ceremony include the Ho-Chunk, Oneida, and Menominee Nations; joining Rep. Kind on the program were military leaders as well as members of the House and Senate leadership. In WWII, Code Talkers served in North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific, and their unbreakable code played a pivotal role in saving countless lives and hastening WWII's end. Many Code Talkers were killed or wounded during that war, and at least one was taken prisoner, but many of those who returned from WWII continued their military careers in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. As a testament to their professionalism, the enemy was never able to break the Code Talkers' communications. Code Talkers could communicate in 20 seconds what coding machines of the time took 30 minutes to do. In the field, they were never allowed to write any part of the code down, making themselves living codes. Many Native American languages had no alphabet and were almost impossible to master without early exposure. Every American owes a debt of gratitude to the Code Talkers, concluded Rep Kind. Because of the secret nature of their service, many of them returned home without a heroes' welcome. I'm proud to be able to stand here today to help ensure that everyone knows the full measure of their sacrifice and bravery. In his remarks, Rep. Kind also made reference to the Veterans History Project (VHP), which allows veterans and their families to record their stories as part of a permanent historical collection in the Library of Congress. Rep. Kind authored the legislation creating the VHP in 2000 and actively promotes engagement in the project so that the stories of our heroes can be preserved for future generations. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |