[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  WHAT NEGRO HISTORY MONTH MEANS TO ME

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM (BILL) CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 7, 1995
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, black Americans have fought in every war in 
which the United States has been involved. However, black soldiers were 
not afforded the same rights and privileges as their white counterparts 
until recently. Despite the courage and patriotism they displayed, 
black soldiers were often forced to endure overt discrimination and 
racism from their superiors and peers.
  I want to share with my colleagues an essay that describes the trials 
of one black soldier. The account was written by Joseph ``Joe'' Myers, 
my old friend and club member in the Lamb's Club. It is my hope that 
Joe's story will positively inspire my colleagues during this Black 
History Month.
                  What Negro History Month Means to Me

                       (By Joseph ``Joe'' Myers)

       This is a salute to the Negro American men and women who 
     served in the United States Marine Corp during the last fifty 
     years.
       As I lie here thinking of Negro history month being 
     celebrated today, little did I know or think when I 
     volunteered for service in the U.S. Marine Corp in Dec. 1942, 
     that I would today be considered a legend in Negro Military 
     History.
       Being among the first thirty platoon of men enlisted and 
     called, the quota was to be twelve hundred (1200) and this 
     was on an experimental basis to see if we could finish basic 
     training, which was hazardous and highly disciplined. To 
     become part of this highly elite organization was our goal. 
     We had all kinds of setbacks, embarrassing, degrading and 
     harassing experiences, but we banded together with our 
     dignity and pride.
       We made it. This was the first time in U.S. Marine Corp 
     history that Negro Americans were on record as part of the 
     U.S. Marine Corp. The first thirty platoons were trained and 
     supervised by white instructors who reminded us constantly 
     that we were not wanted in the Corp. They even suggested we 
     go over the hill (AWOL). This made us band together with more 
     determination to prove we were as qualified as others.
       Today it makes my heart beam with joy to hear a great 
     leader, General Colin Powell, former Chief of Staff, state 
     that The Montford Point Marines are among the Negro Military 
     legends. To have served and see blacks rise from a Boot 
     recruit to a Lt. General and now Major, and Brigadier 
     Generals is amazing. I knew it would happen. Yes, we served 
     in World War II, the Korean era, the Vietnam conflict, the 
     Desert Storm, Granada, Panama and now the Haitian conflict.
       We have served with the highest distinction, some even 
     getting this nation's highest award, ``The Congressional 
     Medal of Honor'' and awards for being among the best fighter 
     pilots in combat. Yes, we salute the men and women who have 
     followed in our footsteps and are continuing to carry the 
     baton.
       To quote General Chappie James: ``We have run a good race 
     and come a long way, but there are better trophies ahead.''
       You may hear some conflicting lies and exaggerating stories 
     about us. If you want the true analysis ask someone from the 
     First Thirty Platoons.
       Semper Fi.
       

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