On Thursday, the Navajo-Hopi Honor Riders paid tribute to veterans at the Navajo Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock, Arizona as one of the last stops while escorting the Navajo Code Talker Flag and the Freedom Flags back to the Navajo Nation.
The stop in Window Rock was among the last for Navajo-Hopi Honor Riders (NNHR) riders Geri Hongeva and Karen Barney, who traveled 5,193 miles to Washington D.C. and back over 12 days. Specifically, they worked with the Flags of Honor Escort program to escort the Navajo Code Talker Flag and the Freedom Flags.
Although Hongeva and Barney are not veterans, they say they are honored to honor America’s heroes by doing something they both enjoy. In turn, the NHHR supported their journey by creating and distributing the hashtag #navajowomenonamission to recognize their work in delivering the flag.
Hongeva and Barney began their journey May 23 and said that numerous veteran riders joined them along the way.
“It is very important [the honor ride] in the healing process for many of us veterans,” said Hongeva. “We do have veterans that ride with us and we do have regular community members as well.”
The NNHR has provided commemorative events and services to honor veterans, fallen Soldiers, Prisoners of War, and those Missing in Action since the death of US Army Specialist Lori Piestewa in 2003.
Aside from memorial motorcycle events, the NHHR holds community services projects throughout the year to distribute resources to Navajo and Hopi veterans in need. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHHR has partnered with other organizations to distribute
essential items such as personal protective equipment.
Currently, the NNHR is looking for more younger riders to join their annual honor rides in order to “pass on their values of respect and honor as modern-day warriors.”