[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 120 (Thursday, September 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1740]]
    THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT 
                               INTRODUCED

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 1997

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that will 
establish a commemorative coin for the African-American soldiers that 
fought in the Civil War. Several years ago, the release of the movie 
``Glory'' brought national attention to the role played by African-
American soldiers during the Civil War. This movie told the story of 
the 54th Massachusetts Regiment which distinguished itself at the 
historic battle of Fort Wagner in July 1863. These soldiers of the 54th 
Massachusetts Regiment and those African-Americans who served with the 
Union Army did so as volunteers. At first they were barred from combat 
and made to contribute only as members of service and labor battalions. 
The number of African-American troops that were in the Union Army was 
larger than the entire Confederate Army in the final months of war. 
Ultimately, their determination, courage, and love for their country 
and for the cause of freedom, enabled them to transcend this barrier.
  the 185,000 African-American troops who served in the Civil War never 
received the recogniation they deserved for fighting so bravely for our 
country. Following the end of the Civil War, The Grand Army of the 
Republic paraded 200,000 Union soldiers for 2 days down Pennsylvania 
Avenue in the District of Columbia, but not one of the units 
representing the African-American soldiers was invited to attend the 
celebration. They never received a thank you for their service. Not 
only is it fitting for the memorial in their honor to be located in our 
Nation's Capital, but they too deserve a commemorative coin to 
memorialize their sacrifice to our country.
  This coin would be of no net cost to the Government and it is for an 
outstanding cause. It is my hope that this legislation serves as a 
reminder of the contribution that these brave men gave for this 
country.

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