"On the morning of Jan. 20, we lost a Warrior, David Tsosie, World War II Code Talker.
I was blessed by meeting Mr. Tsosie, and I call him my uncle. I heard his story as a Code Talker who hadn't received recognition for his sacrifices. I followed his fight to get his medal, and I saw the scars beneath the surface.
This journey inspired me to do a portrait titled 'Finally,' which shows the event, marking the long overdue recognition with his receipt of the Congressional Silver Medal, presented to him by U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman.
As a Marine myself, I know the Marine Corps' proud history and tradition. Knowing Mr. Tsosie was part of this made my portrait, and time with him, that much more exceptional.
As I did the portrait, I felt a U.S. Marine's pride and esprit de corps. I remembered stories he told of being in the South Pacific, his pride of serving his country by using his own language. The Dine people, the teachings we are brought up with and the beautiful heritage we have of being in Harmony, Hoozongi. He is a Warrior, forever a vital part of history, and a Hero."
Get the Story:Emerson Howe: Code Talkers' sacrifices (The Farmington Daily Times 1/24) Related Stories:
Comanche Nation to honor Code Talkers (01/09)
Editorial: Code Talkers Day a welcome addition (1/8)
Oklahoma History Center honors Code Talkers (11/10)
Senate passes bill to recognize more Code Talkers (09/21)
Lakota code talker hailed as an American hero (08/17)
Students in Florida to hear from Navajo Code Talker (04/27)
Navajo Code Talkers return to Iwo Jima for first time (03/30)
Lakota Code Talker speaks about military service (11/17)
Code Talkers museum may be coming to Gallup (09/20)
Chibitty, last Comanche Code Talker, served on D-Day (07/26)
Chibitty, last Comanche Code Talker, passes away (7/22)
Bill introduced to recognize all Indian Code Talkers (05/19)
Student project on Code Talkers finds a home (05/03)
Meskwaki Code Talkers granted military medals (01/17)
Sam Billison, Navajo Code Talker, laid to rest (11/23)
Senate committee to hold hearing on Code Talkers (09/02)
Obituary: Frank Sanache, last Meskwaki Code Talker (08/25)
Meskwaki Code Talkers recognized by state of Iowa (04/08)
Professor dispels myths about Indian Code Talkers (01/22)
Comanche Code Talker wonders what Hitler thought (07/21)
Code Talkers to discuss experiences at event (7/18)
Code Talkers monument set for Ariz. capitol (04/25)
Bill signed for Code Talkers monument in Ariz. (4/22)
'Let's keep those damn Indians' (11/08)
Navajo Code Talkers frank about movie (08/23)
Code Talker inspires athlete grandson (08/12)
Opinion: Not just Navajo code talkers (07/26)
Opinion: Windtalkers ignored true story (7/1)
Weak opening for Code Talker movie (6/17)
Windtalkers movie opens nationwide (6/14)
Comanche man was Code Talker too (6/13)
Code Talker movie set for debuts (6/12)
Code Talkers movie premieres (6/5)
Code Talker movie features first-timer (5/13)
Code Talkers receive special medal (5/2)
Code Talkers upset with Begaye (3/25)
Code Talker gets his medal (3/11)
Code Talker day set (3/8)
Navajo Code Talker gets own day (3/4)
Code Talker to get his medal (2/26)
Paper blasts Navajo Nation (2/22)
Code Talker still doesn't have medal (2/19)
Navajo man confirmed as Code Talker (2/11)
Navajo man recognized as Code Talker (2/7)
Code Talkers on display in Ariz. (1/18)
Ceremony honors Code Talkers (12/10)
Navajo Code Talkers given awards (11/26)
Code Talkers honored at S.D. powwow (10/15)
Code Talker movie delayed (10/2)
Code Talker ceremony postponed (10/1)
N.M. honors Code Talker (9/13)
Code Talkers honored for contributions (7/27)
'Windtalkers' splashes onto DC scene (7/27)
In The Hoop: Navajo Code Talker Pics (7/27)
Bush to honor Code Talkers (7/23)
