Code talker monument dedicated in Broken Bow

The Choctaw Code Talkers Association dedicated a six-foot black granite monument that tells the story of the Choctaw Code Talkers on November 8, 2022.

This monument is the second to be placed along the portion of State Highway 3 between Antlers and Broken Bow that is designated as the “WWI Choctaw Code Talkers Highway” by the Oklahoma State Legislature.

The first monument, dedicated on July 6, 2018, is located near the Choctaw Travel Plaza in Antlers, Oklahoma. 2018 was the 100th anniversary of the Choctaw Code Talkers’ participation in WWI.

Chief Gary Batton said during the ceremony, “Today is about honoring our history, our culture, and our Code Talkers. I always say they set the example of who we should be today – People who sacrificed for God, for country, when we were not even considered citizens of these United States. That’s true servant leadership. I am so thankful that we are honoring them today.”

Choctaws were the first Native Americans to use their language on battlefield radios providing an unbreakable code for American troops and their Allies.

According to the Choctaw Nation Historic Preservation Department, within 24 hours the tide of the battle had turned. The Germans were retreating in less than 72 hours, and the Allies were on full attack. The achievements of the code talkers were sufficient to encourage a training program for future Code talkers. The Choctaws helped to establish the standard for all future code talkers in WWI and WWII.

During the dedication ceremony, Nuchi Nashoba, president of the Code Talkers Association, introduced the Choctaw Code Talkers Association members and descendants of the Code Talkers.

Robert Baker, the great-great-grandson of Ben Carterby, who served in WWI, was among the descendants who attended the dedication.

Baker said that this monument makes him feel very proud that the memory of his family is being honored.

“Seeing the monuments now, I think it cements a legacy that will never be forgotten,” he said. “I hope that people see the Chahta Spirit, servant leadership, they were asked to fight at a time when our language was trying to be extinguished, you know, this language saved America, maybe even saved the world. I hope these monuments encapsulate the servant leader aspect of it.”

District 2 Singers performed hymns during the dedication ceremony.

“Hearing those songs in our Choctaw language made me think. That language was not supposed to be heard today, they were trying to take it away from us. Yet, that language saved this country,” said District 2 Tribal Councilman Tony Ward.

The art on the sculpture is taken from an original watercolor by Choctaw artist Gwen Coleman Lester.