[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 146 (Thursday, September 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE JESSE CLIPPER AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 430

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2019

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
100-year anniversary of the Jesse Clipper American Legion Post No. 430 
in Buffalo, NY.
  The Jesse Clipper American Legion Post No. 430 was founded by 15 
African American World War I veterans on September 16, 1919 to honor 
Corporal Jesse Clipper who was the first African American soldier from 
our region to die during World War I. While fighting on the front lines 
in France, he was badly injured, hospitalized, and unfortunately passed 
away in February of 1919 before he could return home from the war.
  Corporal Jesse Clipper and many other brave African American soldiers 
who fought for our country have helped to plant the seeds for greater 
equality and respect for African American soldiers. Their bravery 
eventually led to the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces and the 
Civil Rights Movement. Corporal Jesse Clipper's willingness to make the 
ultimate sacrifice proved he was an American patriot worthy of honor 
and respect.
  In honor of this trailblazer, members of the Jesse Clipper Post 
dedicated the corner of Michigan and William Streets in the City of 
Buffalo as Jesse Clipper Square in honor of all wars fought by African 
Americans. This was the same area that Jesse Clipper lived during his 
formative years that helped shape him into a dedicated and honorable 
soldier. Later, members of the Jesse Clipper American Legion Post No. 
430 petitioned the Buffalo Common Council to establish a memorial to 
Clipper and all African American soldiers. Since the initial dedication 
of the monument, the dates of other wars in which African American 
soldiers fought have been added to the memorial.
  As time goes on, we have a duty to remember and honor all those who 
fought for our country regardless of race and we must never forget the 
contributions they have made to protecting the security of our nation. 
We must promise to never forget the burden they carried both on the 
battlefield, and in their hearts when they returned to a country that 
did not treat them like the heroes they were and are, solely because of 
the color of their skin.
  Thank you to all the members of the Jesse Clipper Post over the past 
100 years who have helped to ensure that all veterans receive the 
honor, respect and benefits that they deserve.

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