[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11] [House] [Pages 14822-14825] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTEGRATION OF THE ARMED FORCES Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 297) recognizing the 60th anniversary of the integration of the United States Armed Forces, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution. The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows: H. Con. Res. 297 Whereas the United States has always had strong Armed Forces made up of courageous men and women serving the ideals of duty, honor, and country; Whereas the Armed Forces were unfortunately once a place of segregation of the races; Whereas despite segregation, minority members of the Armed Forces, such as the Tuskegee Airmen, who trained at historic Moton Field in Macon County, Alabama, demonstrated honor and bravery above and beyond the call of duty; Whereas the bravery and sacrifice of all members of the Armed Forces regardless of race during World War II and prior conflicts is a matter of national honor; Whereas the integration of the Armed Forces beginning in 1948 was a seminal event in our Nation's history and instilled the democratic ideal of equality in the military; and Whereas the continued bravery and dedication of every member of the Armed Forces continues to be a source of pride to every American: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of Congress to honorably and respectfully recognize the historic significance and to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of President Truman's Executive Order 9981 signed on July 26, 1948 that declared it to be the policy of the President 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 thereby beginning the process of ending segregation in the United States Armed Forces. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Connecticut. General Leave Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Connecticut? There was no objection. Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 297, which recognizes the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the integration of the Armed Forces. Our military men and women are representative of the fabric of American society. They originate from every region of the world and represent the beautiful diversity of our planet. They bring forth with them a wide array of diverse talents and skill sets that has long made the U.S. military the superpower it is today. House Concurrent Resolution 297 celebrates the 60th anniversary of President Harry Truman's 1948 executive order declaring that the equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the Armed Forces was the policy of the President. We celebrate this seminal event in our Nation's history for installing the democratic ideals of equality in our military and our country. During the Second World War, the Tuskegee Airmen broke the color barrier within the Armed Forces to become the first black pilots, navigators, and bombardiers. It was the impenetrable code created from the Navajo language and utilized by the Navajo Code Talkers that helped save lives in the Pacific. Japanese American soldiers volunteered to serve in uniform while their families were held in concentration camps in the United States. It was the ingenuity of refugee scientists escaping anti-Semitism in their homeland that led to the American acquisition of nuclear technology. Diversity has made our Armed Forces and our Nation safer and stronger. Unfortunately, our Armed Forces was once a place of discrimination and segregation. Many Americans of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent who served in the Armed Forces struggled against frequent episodes of racism and bigotry. Often these American servicemembers felt that they were fighting two wars, one against a foreign enemy and the other against racism from within their own ranks. Despite great adversity, Americans of minority descent proudly served with honor and bravery, above and beyond the call of duty. We in Congress recognize their contributions and honor them for their sacrifices. The bravery and sacrifice of all members of the Armed Forces, regardless of race, color, or creed, will always be a matter of national honor. Today the multi-racial makeup of our troops is a testament to the democratic ideals that all Americans hold dear, that all men and women are created equal. Our diverse forces serve as a proud example for the rest of the world in these times of racial and religious intolerance. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of this resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the beginning of integration in the United States Armed Forces. {time} 1515 Throughout the course of our Nation's history, the men and women of the armed services have defended our liberties with bravery, honor and sacrifice. But because our Nation racially segregated its military prior to 1948, generations of African Americans selflessly served our Nation with the knowledge that they were fighting abroad for many of the freedoms that they were frequently denied here at home. Despite this injustice, not only did African Americans serve honorably to fight for all our freedoms, they did so with dignity and bravery that earned many of them our Nation's top military honors. One of the most important events in our Nation's history that helped move our country toward a more integrated America occurred on July 26, 1948, when President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981. This important order, which we acknowledge with this resolution today, ordered that there be equality of treatment with all persons in the armed services regardless of race, color, religion or national origin. Even though it took years to accomplish the complete integration of the armed services, it was Executive Order 9981 that began the process. [[Page 14823]] Of the many units that served with distinction, I particularly would like to recognize the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, who trained at historic Moton Field in my congressional district in Alabama. As most of us know, over the course of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen became one of the most highly decorated units in the Armed Forces. These brave pilots destroyed more than 1,000 German aircraft while accumulating an unprecedented record of flying more than 200 bomber escort missions over central and southern Europe. These brave Americans served without the loss of a single bomber to enemy aircraft and returned home with some of our Nation's highest military honors. But they also returned home to a racially segregated America. It's that injustice, and the steps our Nation has taken to help right that wrong, that we are helping recognize today. I'm also delighted that this body will help further recognize the occasion with a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda later this month. I would like to thank Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Chairman Skelton for allowing this resolution today. I'd also like to thank my good friend and colleague from Florida, Mr. Kendrick Meek, for his strong support of this resolution. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my friend and colleague, the distinguished chairman of the Armed Services Committee, the gentleman from the State of Missouri, the same State that brought us President Harry Truman, Mr. Ike Skelton. Mr. SKELTON. I thank my friend from Connecticut for yielding and take this opportunity to mention the fact that my fellow Missourian, President Harry S. Truman, on the 26th day of July, 1948, signed Executive Order 9981 establishing the ``policy of the President that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services with regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.'' That executive order also established the President's Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in our armed services. On the 23rd of this month, our Congress will recognize the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the process of integration for our military. African American men and women have served this Nation with honor, courage, commitment, even as they were denied the basic constitutional freedoms promised to all Americans. Their successful integration of forces paved the way for further integration of women, Asians, Hispanics, and other ethnic minorities. The cosmopolitan make-up of our armed services is a testament to the American value that we hold dear, that all men are created equal. It is also a reflection of our society that we should treat all individuals, regardless of their race, their color, or national origin with respect and with dignity. And with these days of conflict, our forces, our military forces of our country, are an example of what can be achieved by respecting one's differences and working together to achieve a common goal. House Concurrent Resolution 297 recognizes the 60th anniversary. I applaud those who have sponsored it, and I applaud the fact that we are taking it up today and recognizing the importance of this anniversary. Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time at this time so I will yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey who serves on the Education and Labor Committee, Mr. Payne. Mr. PAYNE. Thank you very much for yielding. Let me commend the sponsor of this great resolution and also let me just commend Representative Skelton for the outstanding work that he has done for so many years in the Armed Services Committee. I stand in support of this resolution, H. Con. Res. 297, because as we all know, there were many, many African Americans who have fought valiantly through many of the wars. I'm very proud to have an uncle who just passed away 2 years ago, 3 years ago, who was in the invasion of Normandy. I used to recall as a young boy receiving the letters that he would send that were photocopied and made about the size of your hand where anything they felt was strategic was blacked out. And my Uncle John was a staff sergeant. As I mentioned, he was in the invasion of Normandy. And his wife, Ruth Garrett, who is still alive, worked in Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey for the war effort making weapons for our armed services. He was very proud when the World War II monument was opened, and he proudly sat with his uniform and his cap and his medals and made us very, very proud of his service. Even today, one of my employees, Richard Turner, is serving in Iraq. But there have been African Americans who have served for so many years. It took Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt to fly with the Tuskegee Airmen for them to finally allow the Tuskegee Airmen to fly in combat because there was resistance to that. And as we know, the first person, as a matter of fact, to die in the Revolutionary War was Crispus Attucks back in 1770 on March 5 when he and four other patriots were taken down by the British to start the Revolutionary War in the Battle of Bunker Hill where we had Crispus, and where we had Salem Poor who fought at the battle of Bunker Hill. And we can go on and on. A neighbor of mine, Needham Roberts and Sergeant Henry Johnson, captured 30 German soldiers in World War I and kept them captive for over a month. And people wondered how two soldiers could have kept so many enemy soldiers at bay. And so I am so proud to have this recognition and certainly pay tribute to Harry S. Truman. He was a person who had said ``the buck stops here.'' He was from Missouri. He said that he'll take the heat, and he did. And so I would just like to once again commend so many of the men and women who continue even today to show their appreciation and strength for our Nation as they serve valiantly in the United States Armed Services. Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep pride that I rise to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the integration of the Armed Forces. As I stand here today, our forces around the world are united in their efforts to preserve our liberty; however, it was not long ago that the men and women of the Armed Forces faced forced division, even while protecting our unity. African Americans have been essential to the creation and preservation of our Nation. These valiant men and women fought abroad for freedom and security in segregated units, while their own families were subject to oppression and inequality on the home front. Despite this, African-American troops still honored the ideals of the United States and courageously defended the country; many of them would go on to earn top military honors. Fortunately the United States military would not remain so divided. On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, mandating the equal treatment of all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin. In addition to beginning the process of immigration, Executive Order 9981 also established the President's Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services. While it would take years for the integration of the armed services to be completed, it was Executive Order 9981 which began to pave the path to unity. The Revolutionary War was spurred by a document, the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed, ``All men are created equal''. Many African Americans fought in the Revolution, while experiencing unequal treatment. Another document, Executive Order 9981, authored by President Truman, was able to begin the integration of the armed services, which ended this pervasive inequality and segregation. The signing of Executive Order 9981 was a pivotal moment in our history and I wholeheartedly support its commemoration. I commend my colleagues, Representatives Mike Rogers and Kendrick Meek, for bringing this legislation to the floor. Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 297 Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the integration of the Armed Services. The bill recognizes the anniversary of President Truman's executive order [[Page 14824]] declaring a policy of equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin. The legacy of racism in America is one that runs so deep that even those that were willing to die for this country did not have basic rights while living in it. The process of getting army integration to be reflected in the law took over 15 years, but just like racial inequality throughout the U.S., it took much longer de facto. I served in the all-black 503rd Field Artillery Battalion in the 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War from 1948 until 1952. Today I am proud to see that it is a much different reality for our servicemen of color. Today we fight side by side with all races with one mission and respect for the value of each individual life. But we take this time to honor the 60th anniversary because we must continue to honor those that fought for this country while suffering under the extra burden of inequality, as well as those that fought for justice in the army and outside of it. Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 60th anniversary of the integration of the United States Armed Forces. On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 which stated that the Armed Services must extend equal opportunity to everyone who served in the military. Although the true fulfillment of this vision finally occurred 15 years after President Truman signed this Executive Order, July 26, 1948 remains a defining moment in our Nation's history because the leader of the Free World made it known that a united Nation needed a united military. This extraordinary document was signed shortly after World War II when American troops and their allies restored hope, justice, and life to millions of people who were suffering under horrific dictatorship and terror. In the deadliest and most wide spread war in human history, the world had seen the valor, fortitude, and humility of the American military. Upon returning home, however, more than 400,000 African American World War II veterans were faced with the bitter reminder that they did not receive equal rights in the military in which they served and in the country that they loved. Mr. Speaker, from the Revolutionary War to the present wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, blacks and other people of color have fought and died. In the years prior to desegregation, many black soldiers fought with the hope that if they demonstrated their bravery and dedication in battle, they could obtain the respect and opportunity in the military and civilian sector. Unfortunately, formal and informal practices of segregation and discrimination in the military and in our country prevented this hope from becoming and reality. In the years leading to an unprecedented time of prosperity, growth, and development in the United States, President Truman dared to sign a document that would position our military and country in a new direction. At last, America would have laws that would ensure that people would have the right to serve their country and be treated equally regardless of their race, color, religion, or national origin. Sixty years after Executive Order 9981 was signed and 45 years after the proclamations in this document were implemented, the U.S. military now includes the full spectrum of our great country. More than 1.4 million men and women make up America's active and reserve forces. They can serve with the knowledge that there are laws to ensure that they receive the same rights and liberties that they fought to secure for others. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the initial call to integrate our nation's Armed Forces, we must remember to continue the legacy of eliminating discrimination and bigotry from the institutions that represent our country and make it great. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this resolution and demonstrate our continued commitment to laws that promote liberty, equality and justice in every sector of our society. Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to stand before you today in support of H. Con. Res. 297, a measure that recognizes the 60th anniversary of the integration of the United States Armed Services. On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, declaring that all members of the military are equal regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. These long-overdue words marked the beginning of the end of institutionalized discrimination in the U.S. Armed Services, and instilled into the military the democratic principle of equality. Prior to this executive order, minority soldiers not only fought against our enemies, but also struggled against prejudice at home and in the military. In spite of these unjust circumstances, many segregated units were universally renowned for their courage and valor, such as the 54th Massachusetts Regiment during the American Civil War, the Harlem Hellfighters (369th Infantry Regiment) in World War I, and the Tuskegee Airmen and the 100th Battalion and the 442nd Combat Infantry group in World War II. We should never forget the sacrifices they made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy. It has been 60 years since President Truman courageously and justly integrated the U.S. Armed Services. Our military was strong then, but it is stronger now, in no small part because all service men and women serve together as equals. Indeed, this year America may elect its first African-American Commander in Chief. Indiana's First Congressional District enjoys a rich diversity that has helped produce some of the most capable units in the armed services. Servicemembers from Northwest Indiana have fought in integrated units during every military engagement since World War II. Right now, Indiana has the fourth-largest National Guard in the United States, with more troops deployed in Iraq than any other State in the union. I am extremely proud of the patriotic men and women from Indiana who have served and are serving in uniform, and thank them for their service to our country. The successes of Indiana's men and women in uniform of all races, colors, religions, and countries of origin, and across all generations, have been echoed throughout the Nation. Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the 60th anniversary of the integration of the United States Armed Services. Such integration has enriched our military with the same democratic equality that they have fought so valiantly to protect. Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, in 1940 the U.S. population was about 131 million, 12.6 million of which was African American, or about 10 percent of the total population. During World War II, the Army had become the Nation's largest minority employer. Of the 2.5 million African Americans males who registered for the draft more than one million were inducted into the armed forces. African Americans, who constituted approximately 11 per cent of all draftees Along with thousands of black women, these inductees served with distinction in all branches of service and in all Theaters of Operations during World War II. I have a proud personal connection to one of those who risked their lives in the segregated service. Over 966 Black military aviators were trained at the Tuskegee Airfield. One of these men, I am proud to say, was my uncle, the Reverend LeRoy Cleaver, Jr. The Tuskegee Airmen carried a heavy burden. Every single mission, every success, every failure was viewed in relation to the color of their skin. They could fly the skies valiantly and return to the tarmac only to have their white peers refuse to return their salutes. Even the Nazis asked why African American men would fight for a country that treated them so unfairly. Yet the Tuskegee Airmen were eager to fly and die for a Nation that had done little for them. These men, like over a million others who fought in World War II, fought two wars: One was in Europe, and the other in the hearts and minds of Americans. As a poignant example, the white commander of the Tuskegee airfield was once asked--with all seriousness--how do African Americans fly? He said, ``Oh, they fly just like everybody else flies--stick and rudder.'' Little by little, every victory at war was translated to a victory here in the United States. On February 2, 1948, President Truman, in no small part due to the bravery of the men of Tuskegee, announced in a special message to Congress that he had, ``instructed the Secretary of Defense to take steps to have the remaining instances of discrimination in the armed services eliminated as rapidly as possible.'' President Truman's former colleagues and drinking partners, the Senators from the Southern States immediately threatened a filibuster. The typically bull-headed man from Missouri forced the issue by using his executive powers. Among other things, Truman bolstered the civil rights division, appointed the first African American judge to the Federal bench, named several other African Americans to high-ranking administration positions, and most important, 60 years ago on July 26, 1948, he issued an executive order abolishing segregation in the armed forces and ordering full integration of all the services. Executive Order 9981 declared that ``there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed forces without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.'' By the end of the Korean conflict, almost all the military was integrated. The men and women I am proud to represent in Missouri's Fifth District have contributed a great deal to this Nation we love. They [[Page 14825]] have fought wars, supplied the expansion the West, founded religions, painted masterpieces, composed symphonies--but perhaps none have done more to shape the face of the earth than President Truman. May history always remember Executive Order 9981 as quintessential Truman. In classic Truman style, the order was an example of making a decision not because it was easy, but because it was the right thing to do. Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to open by saying inclusion of all members of society regardless of race, creed or color, is the strength of our all volunteer Armed Forces. Saturday, July 26, 2008 will mark the 60th anniversary when President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981 demonstrating the moral courage to ``do what was right and honorable''--to integrate the armed forces of our country. Since the Revolutionary War, African Americans have participated in cod every war or conflict. There were, at the time, countless examples of bravery and noteworthy service that spanned from Crispus Attucks to the 54th Massachusetts Regiment the Buffalo Soldiers, to the Tuskegee Airmen. Service in the greatest war or World War II was the culmination of much collective sacrifice and many individual acts of patriotism. The decision to issue Executive Order 9981 which integrated the armed forces confirmed that diversity is our strength and not our weakness. Since the signing of Executive Order 9981, I can forthrightly say that our country has been stronger and a better society overall. President Truman and his advisors recognized that complete racial integration at all ranks is an essential prerequisite to a cohesive and highly effective fighting force. We see success with the challenges of diversity as being critical to national security. One poignant example is the way our armed forces were hampered with racial conflict in the ranks during the Vietnam conflict in the 1960s and 1970s. This serves as an effective lesson on the importance of inclusion and equal opportunity at all levels of leadership. However, there has been progress, and I believe that the U.S. Military is a pioneer in providing equal opportunity for its uniformed members above and beyond what is usually seen in the civilian workforce. In truth, a senior military boardroom is a much closer semblance of our society than the average corporate boardroom. But, we can and should do better because it is simply the right and necessary thing to do. Senior military leadership diversity is a matter of strategic importance to the future well-being of our fighting forces. I have initiated dialogue with the senior leadership of each service branch to lay this issue on the table for a healthy discussion. Of particular note and at their request, I have met with the Commandant of the Marine Corps (General Conway), the Chief of Naval Operations (Admiral Roughead) twice, the Secretary of the Army (General Casey) and plan to meet with the new Secretary of the Air Force (nominee General Schwartz) in the very near future. Their willingness to discuss difficult topics and issues is a testament to their dedication to finding a suitable and longstanding resolution to establishing diversity within DoD. We collectively believe that diversity within DoD and more specifically at the most senior or Flag officer level is critical to recruiting and retention as well as the national security of this nation. Over the past few years there has been some progress in terms of promotion of Flag level officers and assignment to high profile positions critical to national security. Two examples are Lieutenant General Lloyd Austin currently serving as Commander Multi-National Forces (MNF) in Iraq and Major General Walt E. Gaskin who served as the Commander Multi-National Forces (MNF) West in Iraq. It is prudent that we accept the fact that diversity is a necessary component within the officer corps of the services and more specifically the Flag officer pool. Of greatest importance is the most senior flag level rank, which represents the major decision-making and influential officer level population within the Department of Defense. Rather than substituting my interpretation of the myriad ideas discussed in my recent meetings, I think it is best to provide a forum for all of the principal stakeholders and subject matter experts to delve deeper into the issue and provide the Committee on Armed Services with their recommendations. I have respectfully laid before the House Armed Services Committee language creating a Commission on senior military leadership diversity in the House FY09 NDAA. The Commission will review current policy and programs to provide recommendations to the Pentagon to insure that qualified minority and female officers are given the same career advancement opportunities as their counterparts. As you know, of the 39 active four-star Generals, there is currently only one minority, General Kip Ward of Africa Command (AFRICOM). Of the 141 three-star level or 0-9 rank Flag level officers, there are only six minority Generals and five female Generals. Minorities of African-, Hispanic-, Asian-, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Native Alaskan decent represent slightly over 19 percent of the over 207,000 officers in the four service branches, but make up over 38 percent of the enlisted ranks. I believe that just as President Truman had the courage to sign Executive Order 9981 that integrated the armed services in 1948 that it is now time to take a holistic look at the makeup of our officer corps from the most junior to the most senior leadership position to insure that it is diverse and balanced. We now have the opportunity in our nation's history to begin to put in place a long term solution to the long term challenge of establishing diversity at all levels within our military. I believe that the onus falls our shoulders to provide a continuation of the courageous initiative that President Truman undertook in order to fully realize integration at all levels within the armed forces and in particular at the senior leadership level. I respectfully request that the Congress continue to support the establishment of a Commission to discuss diversity in the officer corps and insure equal access to opportunities for the most senior leadership ranks of our Armed Forces. Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 297, as amended. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. ____________________