LA CROSSE — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Kristina Boardman, today joined Ho-Chunk Nation leaders, state and local officials, and citizens of the Ho-Chunk Nation at a ceremony in La Crosse to unveil signs designating a section of Interstate 90 as the “Ho-Chunk World War II Code Talkers Memorial Highway” in Western Wisconsin.
“Last year, I was glad and proud to sign a bill to designate this memorial highway, which is a critical part of honoring the contributions and cultural heritage of the Ho-Chunk Nation, the Code Talkers, and the Ho-Chunk service members and veterans who played a critical role in our nation’s history,” said Gov. Evers. “This sign recognizes and acknowledges the brave history of the Ho-Chunk Code Talkers in our shared story and history, shining a light on these individuals’ tremendous lives and service for future generations to learn about, appreciate, and honor. Here in Wisconsin, we will choose to embrace rather than erase this history and the contributions of the Ho-Chunk Nation and its citizens.”
In March 2024, Gov. Evers signed Senate Bill 633, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 216, which:
- Designates and requires the marking of Interstate 90 from the Minnesota border in La Crosse County to the intersection of Interstate 90 and Interstate 94 in Monroe County as the Ho-Chunk World War II Code Talkers Memorial Highway; and
- Lists the 14 Ho-Chunk Code Talkers that the federal Department of Defense has recognized, as well as specifically include “any other unidentified Ho-Chunk World War II Code Talkers.”
According to the National Museum of the American Indian, during World Wars I and II, Native Americans from across the country and more than 20 Native Nations were enlisted to perform the incredible task of using their Indigenous languages to communicate sensitive wartime information. Often working in pairs, Code Talkers would relay and receive messages in highly dangerous situations as radiomen would be targeted by enemy fire to limit the transmission of information.
This event comes as, in recent weeks, federal leadership at the Pentagon removed mention of Code Talkers and other women military heroes and heroes of color from their website as part of efforts to remove materials related to diversity, equity, and inclusion as ordered by the Trump Administration. Following an outcry of support, the Pentagon eventually restored mention of the Code Talkers and other military heroes on its website.
“Our Ho-Chunk language endured generations of assimilation policies with deep impacts left today. Yet during World War II, that same language was a shield—protecting lives and shaping the course of history,” said District II Ho-Chunk Nation Representative Kristin WhiteEagle. “Honoring our Code Talkers with this memorial highway ensures their courage, and our language, are recognized for the strength they carried then and still carry today.”
Interstate 90, from the Minnesota border in La Crosse County to the intersection of I-90 and I-94 in Monroe County, is now officially the “Ho-Chunk World War II Code Talkers Memorial Highway.” Signs are expected to be installed along I-90 next week. Commemorative markers recognizing the individual Ho-Chunk Nation Code Talkers will be placed at the La Crosse and Sparta rest areas later this year.
“We are honored to join the Ho-Chunk Nation in celebration of this important designation of Interstate 90 between La Crosse and Tomah,” said WisDOT Secretary Boardman. “These memorial highway signs and commemorative markers, eventually placed at two nearby rest areas, are a lasting tribute to the service and bravery of the Ho-Chunk Code Talkers who played a vital role in history. Today’s ceremony exemplifies our strong partnerships with Wisconsin’s Native Nations as we focus on our future by providing great care and consideration to our past.”
“The legacy of the Ho-Chunk Code Talkers is one of extraordinary courage and patriotism,” said Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary James Bond. “Using their language to protect American lives is just one example of the many vital contributions of Native American veterans to our nation’s defense. We have an obligation to future generations to preserve these remarkable stories and acts of heroism. We must ensure that their sacrifice and service are never forgotten.”
The efforts of Code Talkers helped secure victories in some of the greatest battles of the 20th Century and were essential in securing an Allied victory in World War II, as their coded messages were never deciphered by the Axis forces. Unfortunately, Code Talkers were instructed to keep their work a secret, and while the program was declassified in 1968, Code Talkers did not begin receiving Congressional Gold Medals to recognize their service and sacrifice until 2001.
Later, the U.S. Congress passed the “Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008” for the purpose of issuing Congressional Medals in recognition of Native American Code Talkers’ service. Additional information on Native Nations, including Native Nations in Wisconsin, that have received Congressional Medals for Code Talkers’ service is available here. To date, the U.S. Department of Defense has recognized and listed 14 veterans from the Ho-Chunk Nation who served as Code Talkers, making it one of the most recognized Native Nations for its Code Talkers.
An online version of this release is available here.
