2004 is proclaimed year of the veteteran

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — While the Navajo Nation honors its veterans regularly, the Navajo Nation Council decided to make it official for 2005.

The council, in a 65-1-0 vote, passed a resolution on Thursday to extend the proclamation "2004: Year of the Navajo Veterans" through 2005.

"We have countless reasons to continue to support all of our veterans," said Willie Tracy.

Last year's proclamation gave opportunity for "proper recognition, appreciation, and honors to all military veterans across the Navajo Nation ... to honor them for their courage, sacrifices, and dedication."

Many Code Talkers were honored statewide last year when a nine-foot high bronze sculpture of a Code Talker, created by Navajo artist Orland Joe, was dedicated during the Navajo Nation Fair. It was placed in Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock and a duplicate placed in Phoenix at the Arizona State Capital.

Harold Wauneka, representing the Fort Defiance Agency Caucus, initially proposed amendments to the resolution to include benefits for veterans including a point system for employment, preference on housing applications, establishment of health care facilities, and administrative leave for veteran functions.

Wauneka also asked that appropriations for veterans activities be given directly to area agencies.

He later withdrew the amendments for consideration on a separate resolution during the council's summer session.

"If we are sincere about our veterans, we should look to more (agencies) other than the tribe," said Ben Shelley, "(so) our veterans can benefit from it."

The Department of Navajo Veterans Affairs, in its second quarterly report, stated that the New Mexico Legislature is considering several bills to give $2.13 million to the Navajo Nation for veteran housing needs. This includes more than $1.7 million for indigent veterans housing on the Navajo Nation and $300,000 for the construction of housing for homeless veterans.

Andy Ayze said that while he supported the resolution, he wondered "why do we have to proclaim a year," as veterans should be honored every day.

The resolution authorizes the president to execute the proclamation.

— To contact reporter Pam Dempsey call (505) 879-1707 or email pamelagdempsey@msn.com