The Navajo Code Talker Teddy Draper And His Son Are Back Home...
This last Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were a big success in spite of the snow storm. I would like to thank all who showed up to listen to one of the last living WWII Navajo Code Talkers. What a treat it was for all of us to listen to this great man talk about all his wonderful friends that raised the Flag of Our Fathers on Iwo Jima. I was amazed as he pointed at each man on that famous photo and named each one, his rank and what his job was for the US Marine Corp.
He started his talks with a little story about living in Canyon De Chelly as a small boy. He spoke of the time his grand mother asked if he would like to go to the Trading Post at the top of the canyon. As they entered the door way of the Trading Post his grand mother pointed to the man behind the counter and said " Teddy see that man their, he is a white man." Teddy said he couldn't believe what white people looked like. This man was short, fat, bald with a big round head. The white man walk up to Teddy speaking in Navajo and ask him if he wanted some hard candy.
When Teddy and his grand mother returned to the base of the canyon, all his little friends asked him what it was like at the top? Teddy said "you can't believe it, there is a white man up there. His friends said "what do white people look like." Teddy's answer was classic, " well there short and fat, with big round heads. And they have no hair, but they speak good Navajo. And also they give you rock candy!
Needless to say Teddy Sr. and his son Teddy Jr. were a delight. Two more kind gracious people I have never met. By the way, the Navajo language is spoken in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th person. I asked them who is the 4th person? There answer, " I can't explain it to you in English."
He started his talks with a little story about living in Canyon De Chelly as a small boy. He spoke of the time his grand mother asked if he would like to go to the Trading Post at the top of the canyon. As they entered the door way of the Trading Post his grand mother pointed to the man behind the counter and said " Teddy see that man their, he is a white man." Teddy said he couldn't believe what white people looked like. This man was short, fat, bald with a big round head. The white man walk up to Teddy speaking in Navajo and ask him if he wanted some hard candy.
When Teddy and his grand mother returned to the base of the canyon, all his little friends asked him what it was like at the top? Teddy said "you can't believe it, there is a white man up there. His friends said "what do white people look like." Teddy's answer was classic, " well there short and fat, with big round heads. And they have no hair, but they speak good Navajo. And also they give you rock candy!
Needless to say Teddy Sr. and his son Teddy Jr. were a delight. Two more kind gracious people I have never met. By the way, the Navajo language is spoken in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th person. I asked them who is the 4th person? There answer, " I can't explain it to you in English."
4 Comments:
Truly, they were gracious and delightful! Thanks for hosting them, so we could be educated. I loved hearing their stories!! (And thanks for the bracelet :-)
Rachel,
Thanks for your comment. There is another little story you need to know about these guys. Navajo's names are based on the physical look and the occupation or what one dose. Teddy Sr. was calling me a name in Navajo for the last three days of there stay. I asked his son what he was calling me. He said your Navajo name. I said well what is it. He then said please don't take offense, it is quite indearing, your name is "Hairy cup of coffee". He then said there was a guy that used to sell us potatos and he had a beard. His name was "Hairy sack of potatos".
Michael, thanks so much for making this event happen! This coming from a Viet Nam Marine vet. It is an honor to meet a true American hero like Teddy, Sr. I will remember this for the rest of my days. I also received VERY positive comments from my co-workers at IBM who attended. Kudos and thanks, oh "hairy cup of coffee."
John DesLauries
Johnd,
Thanks! It was and honor to have Teddy Sr. and his son in our home for a full week. We learned so much. Hopfully one we will have them up again.
By the way I just recieved a call from Teddy Jr. this morning. He would like to put a coffee drive thru on the Rez. That would be cool Longbottom Coffee on the Navajo Reservation.
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