RICHMOND, Va. — Today marks the first day of Black History Month, and the Virginia National Guard Association reflects upon and honors the tremendous contributions of African Americans to the Nation and Commonwealth of Virginia.
African Americans have fought in every American conflict, from the French and Indian War in 1754 to today’s Global War on Terror. They continue to serve the Armed Forces with great honor and distinction and built a legacy of courage and professionalism. This legacy inspired current and past generations and will continue to do so in the future.
The Armed Forces stand on the tradition of sacrifice by African American Soldiers and Airmen”
- The slaves who joined the Continental Army in exchange for the promise of freedom
- The Louisiana Free Men of Color who fought in the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812
- The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment of the Union Army
- The first official black militia units organized following the Civil War, known as the Attucks, Carney, Union and Petersburg Guard
- The famed Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments in the American West and the Spanish-American War
- The all-black 6th and 10th Virginia Volunteers, known as the “Immunes,” in Spanish-American War
- The Harlem Hell Fighters of New York’s 369th Infantry Regiment, the “Black Devils” of Illinois’ 370th Infantry Regiment and the Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Tennessee and Washington, D.C.’s 372 Infantry Regiment in WW I
- The Tuskegee Airmen– the “Triple Nickels”
- The all-black Airborne Unit in WWII
- The brave drivers of the “Red Ball Express,” who brought supplies to Allied Forces after D-Day
- The “Black Panthers” of the 761st Tank Battalion in WW II
The military is dedicated to leveraging the strength of a diverse force and ensuring equality for all its members. To sustain a high-quality, combat-ready formation that is trained, ready and lethal, the military will continue to ensure that all personnel are given the opportunity to maximize their talents and potential.
African Americans make up more than 15% of the National Guard. Black Service Members play vital roles in today’s military as Warriors, civilians and Family members. The military strongly embraces diversity as a way to maximize individual talent, increase morale and greatly enhance military effectiveness. The Armed Forces find its strength not only in its diversity, but in their ability to bring together people of different faiths, cultures and races who share common values like duty, honor, selfless service, loyalty and respect.
The VNGA joins the Virginia National Guard in its confidence that a myriad of talent, skills and abilities in the diverse force will help to meet future defense challenges and win the nation’s wars.
Resources:
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Archives and Records Administration: Military Resources – Blacks in the Military
Virginia National Guard History
African Americans have fought in every American conflict, from the French and Indian War in 1754 to today’s Global War on Terror. They continue to serve the Armed Forces with great honor and distinction and built a legacy of courage and professionalism. This legacy inspired current and past generations and will continue to do so in the future.