[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E305]]
          REGARDING THE SERVICE OF THE MONTFORD POINT MARINES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join 
Representative Lane Evans as an original cosponsor, with the 
Congressional Black Caucus, of this Resolution honoring the Montford 
Point Marines.
  In 1942, President Roosevelt established a presidential directive 
giving African Americans an opportunity to be recruited into the Marine 
Corps. These African Americans, from all states, were not sent to the 
traditional boot camps of Parris Island, South Carolina and San Diego, 
California. Instead, African-American Marines were segregated--
experiencing basic training at Montford Point--a facility at Camp 
Lejeune, North Carolina. Approximately 20,000 African-American Marines 
received basic training at Montford Point between 1942 and 1949.
  The initial intent was to discharge these African-American Marines 
after the war, returning them to civilian life. Attitudes changed as 
the war progressed. Once given the chance to prove themselves, it 
became impossible to deny the fact that African-American Marines were 
just as capable as all other Marines regardless of race, color, creed 
or national origin.
  In July of 1948 President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 
#9981 negating segregation. In September 1949, Montford Marine Camp was 
deactivated--ending seven years of segregation.
  I am joining Congressman Evans in offering this resolution to 
recognize their service and sacrifice and to acknowledge today's United 
States Marine Corps as an excellent opportunity for advancement of 
persons of all races due to the service and example of the original 
Montford Point Marines.

                          ____________________