Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54Recognition for the Navajo Code Talkers By YM/Sgt Amber Jones Fall River (MA) Traveling to Window Rock AZ, for Na- tional Navajo Code Talkers Day was def- initely a trip I will never forget.Learning of the history of these American heroes was fascinating,but also eye-opening to some of the history of the Navajo peo- ple. Taken from their homes at young ages, they were sent to schools to learn how to properly act, and to forget their Navajo traditions. But when asked for help during WWII, The Navajo people volunteered to serve without hesitation. Some 540 Navajo men served for a country that at that time did not even ac- knowledge them as United States citizens.With only ten lives lost, the Navajo people were sent home, and were forced to secrecy of the sacrifices they had made.They lived in silence until finally honored for their sacrifices in 1992, yet somehow the country still forgets their existence. With some of our country’s most heroic men dying each year, their families still live in poverty on the reservation. With only 23% of their population having high school diplomas, and more than 20% of homes without indoor plumbing,these families who have sacrificed so much for our country seem to have the least to show for it. I hope that the recognition that the Young Marines continue to bring to the Na- vajo people, we will someday allow the Navajo people to a obtain a better way of life. The Navajo people continue to serve today, and with that should come rewards. I enter recruit training, scared and alone, But then I realize, I’m not I’m here. I’m home. The day has come, 26 hours complete, I wear the uniform, Proud as can be. The legacy starts here, The first steps to take. Equipped with the knowledge,The path awaits. I stand at attention; I salute Old Glory, As she stands before me. I escort the Veteran, with honor, that stands beside me. I’ve earned the ribbons, placed on my chest,The rank that I wear, Always striving, to become the best. The lessons I’ve learned,Through, a journey full of wonder. Core values and friendships, Set me apart from the others. It’s time to go, but There’s more to come; No longer afraid, A leader, I’ve become. -- By YM/GySgt Nina Staben, Tampa Bay (FL) The Journey of a Young Marine 28 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE