Post 84 Honors Ira Hayes at Memorial Dinner in Vah-Ki

February 27, 2026

Jeston Morris

Community Newsperson

VAH-KI, Ariz. — More than 200 veterans attended the Ira H. Hayes American Legion Post 84 memorial dinner at District 5 Service Center on the evening of Feb. 20.

The Ira H. Hayes Post 84 Honor Guard posted the colors, and Delane Enos provided a traditional blessing. District 5 Council Rep. Franklin Pablo Sr. offered welcoming remarks, followed by Lt. Gov. Regina Antone. The event featured a keynote address by Joey Strickland, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, and a slide presentation by William Allen. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis provided closing remarks.

“First of all, welcome! All the Marines, raise your hands. You’re home,” Pablo said. “What I mean by that is this is Ira Hayes’ home. This is where Ira Hayes is from. This is his homeland”.

“As a young man, I met Ira Hayes’ father, Joe Hayes and his mother, Nancy Hayes. Every morning Joe would pull his wagon all over the village looking for firewood. After completing his round, he would come to the Bapchule trading post to check his mail,” he added.

Whenever the trading post changed ownership, Joe Hayes made a point to educate the new owners about his son’s contribution to World War II. He often carried four binders filled with historical documents and photographs taken during the flag-raising dedication in Washington D.C., including photos of Ira Hayes posing with the president of the United States. Joe and Nancy were very proud of their son.

“As O’otham people, we don’t like to be in the limelight. We like to be behind the limelight,” Pablo said. “In Ira Hayes’ case, he was placed front and center. In reality, he was a quiet and honest man. He did what he was told. He served his country and community. That’s an honor for not only him but also for his family and community.”

“Ira Hamilton Hayes was a Marine who did his job. Recognize Hayes for who he was not how they put him as. Focus on the life he lived,” Pablo added.

Lt. Gov. Antone expressed her gratitude to those in attendance. “It’s humbling to honor, and  always remember our past, and what the servicemen and women have sacrificed,” she said, noting that the event grows larger every year.

Gov. Lewis highlighted the significance of the gathering, which brought together veterans from across Indian country.

“With the annual Iwo Jima flag raising, we honor the veterans who contributed, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Lewis said.  He also acknowledged the presence of Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay and thanked the students from St. Peter Indian Mission Catholic School for their service during the dinner.