[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 154 (Wednesday, October 21, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM TO HONOR 
               AFRICAN AMERICAN VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II

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                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 21, 2015

  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of 
the National WWII Museum to honor African American veterans of World 
War II. Most notably, I would like to commend the Museum on its 
outstanding exhibit, ``Fighting for the Right to Fight: African 
American Experiences in World War II.''
   African Americans played a vital role in securing Allied victory in 
World War II and their service helped to preserve democratic 
institutions in the United States and around the world. The 
contributions of African Americans during wartime spanned all areas of 
the war effort, from military combat to domestic manufacturing.
   Unfortunately, the same patriotic citizens who sacrificed and risked 
their lives in the war effort also faced discrimination in military and 
civilian life. In many cases, African Americans were denied the very 
liberties they fought to defend. These experiences led many African 
American soldiers to a dual mission: to win the war and to secure 
freedoms at home, a movement that would come to be known as the 
``Double Victory'' campaign. The modern Civil Rights Movements would 
rise from these historic moments during wartime.
   The award-winning exhibit, which opened on July 4, 2015, is a 
landmark contribution that displays the foundational work by twentieth 
century African Americans to seek comprehensive social change. The 
exhibit will remain at the National World War II Museum until May 2016, 
when it will begin a two-year tour of museums around the country. The 
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Veterans Braintrust, supported by 
President Obama and the First Lady, distinguished the efforts of the 
National WWII Museum with the 2015 Veterans Braintrust Award.
   Mr. Speaker, I applaud the National WWII Museum for their leadership 
and recognition of the tireless contributions from all Americans during 
times of war. The unwavering dedication of African Americans to 
protecting America's values of freedom and liberty is an example for 
all citizens.

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