Standing On My Grandpa’s Footprints 75 Years After He Raised His Hand

So as I sat writing a smaller post for for my Instagram page, I felt a desire to share more about what this day means to me now. Four years ago I stood exactly where my grandpa and these men were sworn in. I stood where they stood exactly 75 years later on May 4, 2016. I stood on my grandpa’s footprints 75 years after he raised his hand to serve in World War II before knowing he was there to be Navajo Code Talker.

They’ve Always Been There....Losing Our Navajo Code Talkers

My heart sank. These are the men I grew up with. I realized fully there will be a day I’ll attend a parade or ceremony back home where these men are being honored in memory and not in person any longer

Remembering Navajo Code Talker Alfred K. Newman through Photographs

I never witnessed anyone so intently listening to the speakers at Navajo Code Talker Day 2017 as Mr. Alfred Newman. In fact, I recall telling everyone for weeks how much his observance caught my eye.