[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18656]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE 28th ANNUAL NAACP ARMED SERVICES AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS 
                             AWARDS DINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2003

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the NAACP 
for its perseverance in ensuring equity and justice for all men and 
women of color who have served and are currently serving in defense of 
this nation. The rich history of African-American participation in the 
United States military is as long as the existence of the principles of 
this great country.
  It is a history that extends back to the Revolutionary War when 
Crispus Attucks, an enslaved person of African descent, was the first 
to die while confronting British soldiers in the Boston Massacre. It is 
a history where the road was not always clear but was most certainly 
filled with the obstacles of bigotry and stereotypes. Collective 
organization yielded the NAACP--a beacon of hope for equal protection 
under the law, and a tireless advocate for the advancement of African-
Americans and all people of color.
  Since its inception in 1909, the NAACP has maintained an impeccable 
track record with regards to its ability to confront issues involving 
civil rights. As early as 1917, the NAACP exerted pressure on the War 
Department to establish a training camp that resulted in the 
commissioning of more than 1,300 black officers during World War I. The 
NAACP has led a consistent and unwavering effort to provide equal 
opportunity to African Americans in the military.
  The 28th Anniversary of the Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs 
Awards Dinner is a culminating event in that it recognizes those 
consistent and unwavering efforts by awarding individuals within the 
Department of Defense who have made significant contributions to 
promoting equal opportunity and civil rights. This combination, 
challenging discriminatory treatment and rewarding contributions of 
equal opportunity, provides a balance that creates trust and integrity 
between the leaders of the NAACP and the Department of Defense. The 
working partnership of the NAACP and the Department of Defense ensures 
that the flame of freedom for all people regardless of color continues 
to burn.
  It is a privilege to recognize the efforts of an organization whose 
mission is to ensure that people of color are afforded equal access to 
opportunity. I would ask that you and all of my distinguished 
colleagues join me in the celebration of this 28th Anniversary of the 
NAACP Annual Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Military Awards 
Dinner.

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