[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 5, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      THE BLACK REVOLUTIONARY WAR PATRIOT'S COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to cosponsor S. 
953, the Black Revolutionary War Patriot's Commemorative Coin Act. This 
legislation, sponsored by Senators Chafee and Moseley-Braun, would 
allow the minting and sale of commemorative coins to finance the 
construction of a memorial in our Nation's Capital, honoring those 
African-Americans who fought for our Nation's independence.
  Mr. President, our Nation owes those African-American patriots who 
fought in the American Revolution a deep debt of gratitude. All 
together, over 5,000 African-American men and women served as guides, 
spies, teamsters, and sailors in pursuit of a free nation. These 
African-Americans accounted for over 2\1/2\ percent of the total 
American force. They served with distinction and honor.
  In this month, designated as Black History Month, it is appropriate 
to remind ourselves of the service African-Americans have given to this 
Nation's armed services. African-American service men and women have 
left an indelible mark upon our Nation's history.
  In researching the role of African-Americans in the American 
Revolution, I was surprised to learn that many of those patriots who 
served were, indeed, slaves. How ironic it is that many of the patriots 
serving to found a nation based on the ideals of freedom were unable to 
enjoy this very freedom. We as a nation have struggled, and continue to 
struggle today, to ensure that all Americans can enjoy the fruits of 
living in a nation dedicated to democracy and freedom for all.
  We have a long way to go to meet that ideal. It is my sincere hope 
that the construction of the memorial to be built from the proceeds of 
the sale of these commemorative coins, will inspire us to continue this 
fight for democracy and equality. We owe the patriots who fought in the 
American Revolution no less.

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