Honor Riders escort Code Talker Samuel Holiday to final resting place
Navajo Hopi Honor Riders and Utah Patriot Riders rode nearly 900 miles from St. George, Utah to Monument Valley, Utah to escort the remains of recently deceased Navajo Code Talker Samuel T. Holiday to his final resting place. (Courtesy of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders)
KAYENTA, Ariz. —Samuel T. Holiday, 94, a Navajo Code Talker, died June 11 and was honored June 15 as his body was escorted home to Kayenta, Arizona.
It was nearly 900 miles round trip for seven of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders (NHHR) riders that escorted the World War II veteran back into the four sacred mountains, led by Utah Patriot Guard Riders.
A procession of family members with the help of St. George Sheriff’s Office, Hurricane, Kanab, Fredonia, Page Police department and Navajo Nation Police Department along with more Navajo Hopi Honor Riders joined along the way as the procession entered Kayenta.
On June 14, the group was led into St. George by Michelle West and included NHHR’s Terry Lewis, Geri Hongeva, Earl Willie, Cal Tso, Ryan Williams and Charles Nelson, who are all from different parts of the Navajo Reservation.
“The honor was ours to escort our grandfather and hero back to our Dinè Nation. A heartfelt thanks to those who rode the distance to meet the family’s request and to show our gratitude to the families,” said NHHR Michelle West.
The escort began at 6 a.m. June 15 at the Hughes Mortuary in St. George, Utah. City Councilman Jimmy Hughes, who is currently serving as St. George Mayor Pro Tem, participated in the procession.
Law enforcement personnel, including Utah Highway Patrol troopers, also helped guide the escort as it made its way through southern Utah and northern Arizona before ending in Kayenta, not far from Holiday’s place of birth near Monument Valley.
Family members of Honor Riders residing in St. George heard the Honor Riders were riding from the Navajo Reservation to give tribute to Holidays’ family by escorting him home. They reached out immediately and asked what they could do to help and at 5 a.m. June 14, Ilene Cook-Sandoval, along with her children, met the riders at the mortuary. They provided coffee and pastries.
Holiday and other Navajo veterans have been recognized with multiple honors, including the establishment of National Navajo Code Talker Day by President Ronald Reagan in 1982 and the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2001.
Information provided by the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders
- Final riders announced for Team USA Eagles and Wolves; Navajo riders make the cut
- Told she shouldn't sign up, a Native female Marine talks about her combat role
- The art of healing: Behavioral Health Unit at FMC unveils new murals to help patients heal
- Old Kayenta Police Department scheduled to be demolished
- Hopi High graduate earns journalism degree from Ft. Lewis College
- Mark Charles, who is Navajo, enters 2020 presidential race as an Independent
- Navajo president issues statement on Iran conflict
- Letter: Who is watching the Navajo Nation house?
- The gift of coal for Hopi and Navajo families
- Diné College earns No. 5 spot as highest ranked tribal college in U.S.
- Told she shouldn't sign up, a Native female Marine talks about her combat role
- Final riders announced for Team USA Eagles and Wolves; Navajo riders make the cut
- New Mexico professor traces chocolate’s ancient path; Chaco Canyon reveals secrets
- The art of healing: Behavioral Health Unit at FMC unveils new murals to help patients heal
- Navajo and Pueblo youth make it to cross country national finals
- Guest column: Welcoming the Winter Solstice
- Seeking joy during the holidays: Miss Native America USA shares her experience with depression
- Cameron Zumba instructor shares some useful steps to an active lifestyle
- Mark Charles, who is Navajo, enters 2020 presidential race as an Independent
- A new generation organizes annual Community Christmas Dinner in Tuba City
More like this story
SUBMIT FEEDBACK
Click Below to:
