The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2020

Navajo Nation honors fallen warriors with wreath laying ceremony and food distribution on Memorial Day

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Monday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Vice President Myron Lizer, and Miss Navajo Nation Shaandiin Parrish paid tribute to fallen warriors with the laying of a wreath at the memorial wall at Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock, which lists the names of Navajo men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving in the Armed Forces and those who are still missing in action. Flags were lowered to half-staff at Veterans Memorial Park in honor of the many who gave their lives in service to our country. 

“Today, we pay special tribute in honor of all the warriors who fought for this country and gave their lives for everything that we have including our land, our language, and our sovereign ability to determine our own future. To this day, we have many of our sons and daughters who continue to serve and protect our country and they are always in our prayers as well, along with the Gold Star and Blue Star families. No words can express our appreciation for the unimaginable sacrifices they and their families have made,” said President Nez, who was joined by First Lady Phefelia Nez. 

Photo courtesy Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President

Following the wreath laying ceremony, President Nez and Vice President Lizer led a food, water, and supply distribution for Navajo veterans. The event was later opened to the general public once all veterans had received the items. Overall, the Nez-Lizer Administration distributed food, bottled water, and other supplies to 580 Navajo families on Monday. 

Vice President Lizer was joined by Second Lady Dottie Lizer, as he spoke about the importance of remembering and commemorating the sacrifices that past and previous warriors offered for our country and to preserve our freedom.

“We thank the Creator for blessing our Nation with so many great warriors and for giving us our sacred language that helped us in times of conflict. Our Diné men and women have given so much to this country of ours and they deserve the utmost respect and honor. Their families and loved ones are always in our prayers,” Vice President Lizer stated. 

Photo courtesy Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President

Former Vice President Rex Lee Jim provided the opening prayer and Navajo Veterans Administration Executive Director James D. Zwierlein served as the master of ceremony. To view highlights of the Memorial Day events, please visit the Office of the President and Vice President’s YouTube Channel at: https://youtu.be/UKwRjlhImUY