Fort Worth Unveils Historical Marker Honoring Choctaw Code Talkers

The ceremony brought together tribal leaders, military representatives, and community members to recognize the Choctaw soldiers who used their native language to transmit coded messages during World War I.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:06am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a Choctaw military insignia or patch, conceptually representing the recognition and commemoration of the Choctaw Code Talkers' service and sacrifice.The vibrant ceremony honoring the Choctaw Code Talkers' legacy celebrates their crucial role in World War I and the enduring strength of indigenous cultures.Fort Worth Today

The City of Fort Worth unveiled a Texas Historical Marker honoring the Choctaw Code Talkers, a group of 19 Choctaw soldiers who used their native language to transmit coded military messages during World War I, giving U.S. forces a critical advantage. The ceremony was organized by Fort Worth Park & Recreation in partnership with the Texas Historical Commission and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, and featured speakers from the Choctaw Code Talkers Association, the City Council, the Texas Historical Commission, the U.S. military, and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Why it matters

The Choctaw Code Talkers played a crucial role in World War I, demonstrating the power of indigenous languages to provide secure communications during wartime. This historical marker ensures their story is preserved and shared with future generations, honoring their service, ingenuity, and sacrifice.

The details

The ceremony featured speakers from various organizations, including Choctaw Code Talkers Association President Nuchi Nashoba, City Council Member Macy Hill, Texas Historical Commissioner Catherine McKnight, Col. Brent Kemp of the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton. The event also included a closing blessing by Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr. and a flag ceremony by the Arlington Heights High School JROTC.

  • The ceremony took place on April 2, 2026.
  • The Choctaw Code Talkers first used their native language as code to transmit military messages nearly a century ago during World War I.

The players

Choctaw Code Talkers Association

An organization that represents and honors the Choctaw soldiers who used their native language as code during World War I.

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

The federally recognized Native American tribe that the Choctaw Code Talkers belonged to.

Fort Worth Park & Recreation

The department within the City of Fort Worth that organized the event in partnership with the Texas Historical Commission and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Texas Historical Commission

The state agency that works to preserve Texas' architectural, archaeological, and cultural landmarks, including the historical marker honoring the Choctaw Code Talkers.

56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

A U.S. military unit that was represented at the ceremony by Col. Brent Kemp.

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What they’re saying

“This marker ensures the story of the Choctaw Code Talkers is preserved and shared with future generations. Their service, ingenuity, and sacrifice deserve to be remembered.”

— Dave Lewis, Fort Worth Park & Recreation Director

“This ceremony brought together tribal leaders, military representatives, elected officials, and community members to recognize the Choctaw soldiers who used their native language to transmit coded messages during World War I, giving U.S. forces a critical advantage.”

— Nuchi Nashoba, Choctaw Code Talkers Association President

What’s next

The City of Fort Worth plans to share a video of the full ceremony on its YouTube channel, allowing residents and others to learn more about the Choctaw Code Talkers and their important role in World War I.

The takeaway

The unveiling of the historical marker honoring the Choctaw Code Talkers is a significant moment for the Fort Worth community and the Choctaw Nation, recognizing the crucial contributions of indigenous soldiers during wartime and ensuring their story is preserved for future generations.