[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 26, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3612-S3613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                75TH ANNIVERSARY OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 9981

  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, today, we commemorate the 75th anniversary 
of a momentous event in our Nation's history: the signing of Executive 
Order 9981 by President Harry S. Truman on July 26, 1948. This landmark 
executive order marked a significant step forward in our ongoing 
journey toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
  A fundamental value of the United States is to support the equality 
of all. E.O. 9981, titled ``Establishing the President's Committee on 
Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services,'' 
proclaimed that ``there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity 
for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, 
religion or national origin.'' By desegregating the military, this 
order shattered long-standing discriminatory practices and set a 
precedent for the pursuit of justice and racial equality.
  The issuance of E.O. 9981 was a response to the tireless efforts of 
countless civil rights activists, military leaders, and concerned 
citizens who recognized the moral imperative to confront racism and 
discrimination. It represented a critical turning point in the fight 
against racial injustice, serving as a catalyst for the broader civil 
rights movement to follow.
  Over the past seven and a half decades, the principles enshrined in 
E.O. 9981 have had a profound impact on our society. By integrating the 
military, this historic document not only helped to foster a spirit of 
unity among servicemembers, irrespective of their race or background, 
but it also provided a model for progress, inspiring subsequent 
legislation and initiatives aimed at combating discrimination and 
inequality in various sectors of American life.
  Moreover, E.O. 9981 has served as a beacon of hope for marginalized 
communities, demonstrating that institutionalized prejudice can be 
dismantled

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through bold leadership, determined activism, and collective will. Its 
legacy has reverberated far beyond the military, contributing to the 
broader struggle for civil rights and social justice, including the 
landmark civil rights legislation of the 1960s and the ongoing quest 
for racial equality today.
  As we celebrate this significant milestone, it is essential that we 
reflect on the progress made and acknowledge the work that remains 
unfinished. While E.O. 9981 marked a pivotal moment, we recognize that 
systemic racism continues to persist in various forms, demanding our 
unwavering commitment to its eradication. In honoring the 75th 
anniversary of E.O. 9981, let us recommit ourselves to the enduring 
principles of equality and justice for all. Let us continue to strive 
for a society that values diversity, inclusivity, and equal 
opportunity, where the color of one's skin does not determine their 
worth or limit their potential.
  As members of Congress, entrusted with the duty of shaping 
legislation and promoting the well-being of all Americans, I urge you 
to draw inspiration from the spirit of E.O. 9981 and to uphold our 
fundamental American values. Although our painful history cannot be 
erased, let us work together to enact policies that dismantle systemic 
barriers, rectify historical injustices, and build a more equitable and 
harmonious future for our Nation.

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