Begaye and Nez remember fallen soldiers on Memorial Day

Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye, Vice President Jonathan Nez and Gold Star mother Isabelle Shondee laid a wreath on the Veterans Memorial Wall in Window Rock on Memorial Day in honor of all fallen veterans. Submitted photo

Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye, Vice President Jonathan Nez and Gold Star mother Isabelle Shondee laid a wreath on the Veterans Memorial Wall in Window Rock on Memorial Day in honor of all fallen veterans. Submitted photo

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez laid a wreath on the Veterans Memorial Wall on Memorial Day in honor of all fallen veterans in a rare service held on the Navajo Nation.

"Our freedom is not free," Begaye said. "We honor all veterans today and those that fell. We want to thank our soldiers and let them know that they will never be forgotten."

The president and vice president were joined in the service by Gold Star mother Isabelle Shondee. Gold Star families are ones who have had a service member killed in action.

Begaye acknowledged all families who have lost loved ones in their service to protect our freedom. Shondee participated in honor of her fallen son, Army Specialist Harry Shondiin.

Veterans in attendance commented that they have seen wreath laying services during national ceremonies but that it was rare for one to take place on the Navajo Nation.

The president said the Navajo Nation will move forward in constructing a veteran's museum that will tell the story of Navajo soldiers who have served in foreign wars.

"Honoring our fallen veterans shouldn't only happen on Memorial Day," Nez said "it should be a part of every day."

On May 28, the vice president and a group of runners took to the trails of the Chuska Mountains to participate in a remembrance run for fallen Navajo veterans.

"While we ran many miles, we thought about the family members who have been left behind," Nez said. "We realize that they have gone through so much without having their son or daughter, or father or mother around. We wanted to honor them."

Begaye agreed.

"Today, on Memorial Day, we say thank you to mom and dad for raising your children to sacrifice in defending the freedom of this great nation," he said. "They have paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for us."

Along with Gold Star mother Shondee, the president and vice president were joined by current Miss Navajo Alyson Shirley, Cal Curley, Field Representative for N.M. Senator Tom Udall, OPVP Chief of Staff Arbin Mitchell and Navajo Nation Council Delegate Raymond Smith.

Nez said that on Memorial Day everyone should continue to lift those families who are still here with us in prayer.

"Let us always remember that it was for us and our freedom that many veterans have served and died," Begaye said. "They will never be forgotten."

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