# @apnews on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DcCiHQCDEtP
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69004593-apnews-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/a30d4c2be8.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-14T23:50:52.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The Associated Press (@AP) — https://gondola.cc/AP

## Caption

All eyes were on Navajo Code Talker Thomas H. Begay. The 101-year-old veteran saluted while the national anthem played on Friday, kicking off a day of recognition honoring him and the other Navajo recruits who famously used their native language to keep military secrets during World War II.

Begay, one of the last two living Code Talkers, made the long trip from his home on the Navajo Nation to the Arizona State Capitol for the event. He was joined by family members and dozens of descendants of other Code Talkers.

“I am so damn proud,” said Begay, in a wheelchair and wearing a cap dotted with pins and a golden shirt that featured military patches and his service ribbons. “We used our language in World War II and won the battles.”

Read more at the link in bio.

#APPhotos by Ross D. Franklin

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