WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren told a crowd of 250 Navajo veterans, Honor Riders, families, and an all-women color guard that Memorial Day is a time to honor fallen Navajo warriors and their families by keeping them in hearts and prayers.
Speaking in Navajo, the President said warriors were not the only ones to make sacrifices. He referred to the military spouses, children, and Gold Star Mothers they left behind who make a sacrifice almost as significant.
We keep their families and the heavy toll it takes in our hearts and our prayers, he said.
“I appreciate the military members who have displayed courage and selfless dedication to the Navajo people,” he said.
The President and Navajo Nation Supreme Court Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne placed the traditional flower wreath before the wall of 147 names of Navajo Nation fallen warriors at what was observed to be the largest Navajo Memorial Day gathering at Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park.
Nation Memorial Day is observedon May 26each year, although this year’s veterans service was held on May 25.
Navajo Nation Council Speaker Curley said she prays for her veteran husband and the men he served with.
“This morning, many of us have heavy hearts throughout the Navajo Nation,” she said. “It’s a day of humbleness, compassion and love. We don’t know what you all have been through. For us to be sitting here with no worries, being able to work here, feeling safe, we are praying for every one of you.”
Chief Justice Jayne said the judicial branch serves as the protector and defender of the Navajo Nation.
“We are all one family of human beings, and we all have compassion for one another,” she said.
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