On Wednesday, the Navajo Nation Council Resources and Development Committee considered legislation which seeks support to designate Navajo Route 6 as the “Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway” and requests the Navajo Division of Transportation and Bureau of Indian Affairs to recognize the designation.
Navajo Route 6 spans approximately 40-miles on the Nation and provides access to the communities of Indian Wells, Greasewood, and Whitecone.
Council Delegate Lee Jack, Sr. , who sponsored the legislation, asked for the committee’s support to designate the highway to honor Navajo veterans who served during the Korean War.
“The Korean War began on June 30, 1950 and approximately 800 Navajos served in the war. All Navajo veterans deserve the recognition. They are the warriors within our communities and the road designation will express our appreciation and recognize the bravery and sacrifice of those who served,” said Delegate Jack.
Council Delegate Davis Filfred stated that the road designation would honor the Korean War Veterans and teach Navajo youth and visitors about their great sacrifice.
“The Korean War became known as ‘The Forgotten War’ and ‘The Frozen War’ but the Nation needs to recognize that they will never be forgotten. As a veteran, I appreciate and honor their service to protect our Nation, communities, and families,” said Delegate Filfred.
Delegate Jack added that in 2016 during the “Honoring Korean War Veterans of the Navajo Nation and Navajo-Korean Fellowship Worship Service” in Leupp, Ariz, South Koreans presented Navajo Korean War veterans with “Ambassador for Peace Medal” in recognition for their sacrifices in the
Korean War.
The legislation also requests the BIA and NDOT, who maintain Navajo Route 6 through a joint effort, to recognize the road designation in all mapping and inventories.