Jay, what a wonderfully written profile (I know I've read it before but it is a pleasure to reread it). You honor Sam. Everyone should hear the names of the Navajo Code Talkers and know their names; sadly, we all know that has not been and will not be the case in the future, unless they happen upon a truthful exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian or read a fact-based article in the popular press. There are so many examples of our history being either a history unknown or a history perverted for political reasons. It's shameful. As Majik writes, "God have mercy on us."
In 2011, on my old Google Blog, I did a piece on a man named Tim Brookes, whose project "The Endangered Alphabets Project" aims to "save" languages like Cherokee by preserving the writing systems in artwork such as hand-carvings and using them in educational materials. (Too, elders in some Native American groups are trying to teach youths languages that otherwise will be lost.) I might resurrect that post and update it. I know the project continues. As can be gleaned from your post here, the Navajo Code Talkers were instrumental in the U.S. ability to use as unbreakable or indecipherable code an unwritten Native American language that saved countless lives. No one should be ignorant of this contribution.
Thanks, Maureen, for reading again, too. In the country the U.S. is becoming there is already increased scorn and disregard of Native life and history, not more, so I'm not any more hopeful about that than anything else. I'd love to see you reshare that piece on saving the languages When Julia and I started our Indian Country travels, our very first interview was with Catherine Siva Saubel, then in her 80s, who was the last native speaker of the language of the Cahuilla.
Deeply moving, Jay. The idea that a man like that, who had gone through hell for his country, was guilty of such mindless discrimination when he returned, fills me with ire.
God bless Sam.
God bless them all.
God have mercy on us.
Yes, Majik. Yes.
An elegant and moving tribute to a great American.
Thank you, Rona. It pleases me to help make Sam and his brethren better known.
Jay, what a wonderfully written profile (I know I've read it before but it is a pleasure to reread it). You honor Sam. Everyone should hear the names of the Navajo Code Talkers and know their names; sadly, we all know that has not been and will not be the case in the future, unless they happen upon a truthful exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian or read a fact-based article in the popular press. There are so many examples of our history being either a history unknown or a history perverted for political reasons. It's shameful. As Majik writes, "God have mercy on us."
In 2011, on my old Google Blog, I did a piece on a man named Tim Brookes, whose project "The Endangered Alphabets Project" aims to "save" languages like Cherokee by preserving the writing systems in artwork such as hand-carvings and using them in educational materials. (Too, elders in some Native American groups are trying to teach youths languages that otherwise will be lost.) I might resurrect that post and update it. I know the project continues. As can be gleaned from your post here, the Navajo Code Talkers were instrumental in the U.S. ability to use as unbreakable or indecipherable code an unwritten Native American language that saved countless lives. No one should be ignorant of this contribution.
Thanks, Maureen, for reading again, too. In the country the U.S. is becoming there is already increased scorn and disregard of Native life and history, not more, so I'm not any more hopeful about that than anything else. I'd love to see you reshare that piece on saving the languages When Julia and I started our Indian Country travels, our very first interview was with Catherine Siva Saubel, then in her 80s, who was the last native speaker of the language of the Cahuilla.
I will find that file and share it, Jay. Another of his projects involves poetry.
You've really put your heart into this one and it shows. I love it.
Ah, Rosa, your words are so appreciated.
You’re most welcome.
Love this profile, Jay. Just beautifully written. Thank you for sharing Sam with us.
That praise from a beautiful writer like you, Holly, means a lot. Thank you.
So worth a reread and a restack. What a tribute!
It's a succesful tribute if readers like you respoind that way, Mary. Thanks so much.
Deeply moving, Jay. The idea that a man like that, who had gone through hell for his country, was guilty of such mindless discrimination when he returned, fills me with ire.
It is enraging, isn't it, when such prejudice blinds people to the extraordinary humanity of those they scorn. Thanks, Jeffrey.