[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 144 (Wednesday, September 3, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H3763-H3764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS

  (Mr. Latimer of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I am a proud son of Mount Vernon, New York. 
I was born there. I went to school there, and it shaped the person who 
I am today. My roots run deep in that community, and I carry its values 
with me every day in my work here in Congress.
  During World War I, 22 fellow sons of Mount Vernon answered the call 
to serve and joined the fight to defend freedom abroad. These men 
became part of the legendary Harlem Hellfighters, the 369th Infantry 
Regiment of the New York Army National Guard.
  The Harlem Hellfighters hold a remarkable and important place in our 
Nation's history. Comprised primarily of Black Americans, this unit was 
among the first African-American regiments to serve with the American 
Expeditionary Forces during the First World War, and a later version 
served in the Second World War. Mr. Speaker, because the U.S. Army 
remained segregated at the time, these men were assigned to fight under 
French command.
  They spent nearly 200 days in front-line trenches, more than any 
other American unit. They faced unimaginable hardship but never 
wavered. They suffered the most casualties of any American regiment 
with nearly 1,500 men making the ultimate sacrifice.
  Yet, despite their heroism and service, they returned home to a 
country that did not afford them the recognition they earned. Today 
that changes.
  This afternoon, these brave men, our Harlem Hellfighters, will be 
honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award 
Congress can bestow. This long overdue recognition honors their 
extraordinary valor, their unwavering service, and their critical place 
in American history.
  The men of the 369th embodied courage, resilience, and patriotism in 
the face of adversity. They are more than deserving of this 
distinction.
  In a few hours, I will join their descendants in laying a wreath at 
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We will pay tribute to those who 
served and sacrificed and whose names were too long left unspoken.
  Their legacy lives on in Mount Vernon, in New York, and across this 
Nation that they helped defend.
  We honor them today and remember them always.

[[Page H3764]]

  



                      Honoring Lola Daniels Hunter

  Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the life and 
achievements of Lola Daniels Hunter, who served our community as 
president of the White Plains Greenburgh Branch of the NAACP, as a 
board member of the Greenburgh Police and Advisory Committee, and as a 
leader of the North Elmsford Civic Associations.
  For over 50 years, Lola was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in 
White Plains, serving in board leadership. She showed her professional 
skills in the Westchester Department of Service Services, having 
achieved a B.A. degree from the College of New Rochelle and an M.B.A. 
from Pace University. She is survived by her daughter, Priscilla 
``Ann'' Daniels, and legions of friends and neighbors in Greenburgh, 
White Plains, and Mamaroneck who loved her as she loved them and the 
community.
  She is with the Lord now, but we are all better for her time with us.
  Rest in power, Lola.

                          ____________________