[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED IN THE UNITED STATES COLORED TROOPS DURING 
                             THE CIVIL WAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM COOPER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2006

  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I make remarks today to honor 2000 heroic 
men--men who fought for freedom and justice and a stronger, united 
America. These men made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. They 
gave their lives so that their children and grandchildren and 
generations to come would know an America where hopes for a better life 
would be a dream for all to share.
  The 2000 men I honor today were members of the United States Colored 
Troops during the Civil War. They are buried at the rear of the 
Nashville National Cemetery, their service and their sacrifice too 
often overlooked by visitors to that hallowed ground.
  This weekend, Tennessee will take an important step in saluting, and 
thanking, African-American soldiers for their important service during 
the Civil War. Tennessee will become the first state in the U.S. to 
erect a statue to recognize the bravery of these 2000 men, and all of 
the 180,000 African-American soldiers who fought in the Civil War. The 
statue is more than an historic monument. It will be a permanent and 
powerful reminder for all Americans and the world that the strength of 
our great Nation comes from the belief laid down by our founding 
fathers that ``all men are created equal. . . .''
  It was a desire to transform that belief into reality that these men 
took up arms. They believed in a new vision of America and they knew it 
was an America worth fighting for. And now, during Black History Month, 
we come together to unveil this statue and to offer the praise and 
appreciation that has been so long overdue.
  The life-size bronze is the result of years of hard work on the part 
of many. The African American Cultural Alliance and its founder and 
executive director, Kwame Leo Lillard, led this effort. But many 
individuals and organizations throughout the community also dedicated 
themselves to the task. Creative Artists of Tennessee, the Black 
Veterans Association, the 13th U.S.C.T. Regiment, the Tennessee 
Historical Commission, Tennessee State University Department of 
History, and One Point Solutions, along with federal, state and local 
governments have all been involved in this campaign.
  I am proud and honored that Nashville will be home to this important 
memorial to all those who served in the U.S. Colored Troops during the 
Civil War. Unlike the battle in so many other cities, the Battle of 
Nashville did not take place on one battlefield. It was fought in the 
city itself and at locations scattered around the edges of town. No 
portion of the city has been preserved as a park to commemorate those 
who fought and died in this battle. They are quietly honored at the 
Nashville National Cemetery. And now, with the addition of this statue, 
all of the troops who sacrificed so much to preserve our great Nation, 
will receive the special recognition they deserve.

                          ____________________