2022 National Native American Heritage Month

1.  National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in the month of November.<br>
2.  In November 1990, Congress issued a joint resolution authorizing the President to proclaim annually the month of November as the "National American Heritage Month."  Since 1988, Presidents have issued proclamations, executive orders, and other guiding statements on National Native American Heritage Month and the policies to honor the achievements of Native Americans.  More information can be found in the Public Laws section of https:(slash)(slash)www.congress.gov.<br>
3.  "During National Native American Heritage Month, we also honor our Native American veterans and Service members who have courageously served and continue to serve in our Armed Forces – including the brave Native American Code Talkers in World War I and World War II." said President Joseph R. Biden JR in his Proclamation of National Native American Heritage Month.  The United States Army Cherokee and Choctaw Code Talkers of World War I laid the groundwork for the deliberate implementation of Navajo Code Talkers to apply their ancestral language and create an indissoluble code during World War II.  This method of communication was critical for the Marine Corps in combatting the Imperial Japanese forces within the World War II Pacific Theater.  Twenty-nine Navajo radio operators at Camp Elliot, California developed the code in seven weeks.  Their code was proven efficient through every major Pacific island operation and during the invasion of Iwo Jima, six Navajo Code Talkers operated around the clock, transmitting more than 800 messages without error.  "Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima." said Major Howard Connor, 5th Marine Division.<br>
4.  During this observance month, commanders are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the invaluable service and selfless contributions of Native Americans - military, veteran, and civilian - to our country and Corps.  Commanders are further encouraged to conduct online programs and to promote participation in observance events within their commands and across their local communities.<br>
5.  Release authorized by SES M. R. Melillo, Deputy Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division, Acting.