WWII Navajo Code Talkers In Redskins Jackets Embrace Team Name

The heroic World War II Navajo Code Talkers made a lot of people feel silly this week when they not only approved the Washington Redskins’ name, but called the moniker a symbol of courage and loyalty. Four Code Talkers were honored for their service at Monday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Although they met briefly with team owner Dan Snyder, the team’s name never came up nor were the men asked to endorse it, Roy Hawthorne, vice president of the Navajo Code Talkers Association, told Fox News. Yet the Code Talkers gave their tacit seal of approval when three of the four appeared wearing official team jackets. Hawthorne was asked if their appearance was meant as a statement. “We didn’t have that in mind, but that is undoubtedly what we did do,” he said, according to Fox News. “My opinion is that’s a name that not only the team should keep, but that’s a name that’s American.” More