WINDOW ROCK – The leaders of the Navajo Nation, President Jonathan Nez, Vice President Myron Lizer, and Speaker Seth Damon gathered at Navajo Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock, Arizona on Monday for a prayer service in honor of members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Navajo Nation Council Delegates Eugene Tso and Wilson Stewart, Jr. also joined in praying for “protection and a safe return home for all military men and women serving our country around the world.”
Several Navajo veterans, including members of the Navajo Nation Veterans Advisory Council, also joined the leaders for the prayer service on Monday.
“The Navajo Nation has many of our own people proudly serving in every branch of the military. Today, we pray for their protection and well-being so they may return to their loved ones safely. May God bless their families and friends as their loved ones serve our country with great honor and dignity,” said President Nez.
According to the Nation, the prayer service was conducted at the request of Council Delegate Eugene Tso, “due to recent heightened tensions in the Middle East and other parts of the world.”
“As we pray for our men and women serving and protecting our country, it’s also important to pray for our veterans and their families, especially those who are suffering with PTSD and physical disabilities. We honor and remember all of those who have served and continue to serve to this day,” stated Vice President Lizer.
An example of the proud service, Sophie Yazzie, a World War II Veteran and member of the Navajo Nation was mourned last week across the country. Ms. Yazzie passed away at the age of 105 and was one of the longest living female WWII veterans.