During World War I on the first day of the draft, 700,000 African American men signed up.Pictured at left: Members of the 369th Infantry Regiment, popularly known as the Harlem Hellfighters. The 369th Infantry Regiment was known for being the first African-American Regiment during WWI. One Medal of Honor and many Distinguished Service Crosses were awarded to members of the regiment. The most celebrated man in the 369th was Pvt. Henry Lincoln Johnson, a former Albany, New York, rail station porter, who earned the nickname "Black Death" for his actions in combat in France. In May 1918 Johnson and Pvt. Needham Roberts fought off a 24-man German patrol, though both were severely wounded. After they expended their ammunition, Roberts used his rifle as a club and Johnson battled with a bolo knife. Johnson was the first American to receive the Croix de Guerre. By the end of the war, 171 members of the 369th were awarded the Legion of Honor
This historical note is merely one singular reminder that the patriotic bona fides of African Americans have been sealed in the blood of heroes during every American conflict in our country's history.
This is an excellent, very informative post. Thanks so much. Sometimes we can be so quick to write off patriotism as if it only belongs to those crackers with the "America Love it or Leave It" stickers pasted on the bumper. But as your post points out, we earned our patriotism with blood that has never been sufficiently appreciated or acknowledged.
ReplyDeleteIt's not about waving flags and flagpins or any of that crap. It's about ALL those men and women, both on the battlefield and off, who fought to make a better asnd stronger nation...even when that nation despised them for it.
There are lots of reasons to criticize Obama, but it is irritating in the extreme to see his patriotism questioned, which by extension, calls into question the patriotism of black people in general, because he is critical of American military policy or objectives.
ReplyDeleteIf there is anybody that believes in America its black folk. We had to suffer for America's promise of liberty and equality. We had to willingly shed our blood for it in war knowing our sacrifice would not be rewarded or acknowledged.
My family history includes veterans all the way back to the Civil War. My wife's family includes veterans of WWII, one a general. The history is there.
BTW, please refrain from perjoratives like cracker here. Its hard to foster a civil discussion around tough issues like race when we can't avoid namecalling.
Aaron and Alaine,
ReplyDeleteI respect your position on refraining from certain terminology on this blog, which does happen to be one of my favorites. Sometimes I'm the type to get raw, but that's just me.
Keep up the good work.
Keith, thanks for your support and the kind words for our little effort here. That's music to a bloggers ears and we hope to keep this spot interesting, enlightening and intriguing.
ReplyDelete