Brown, Bacon Introduce Legislation To Honor The Military Service Of Individuals Who Were Enslaved

Statement

Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) and Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the "Headstones for Honor Act," H.R. 6830 to recognize individuals who performed military service while enslaved or otherwise legally prohibited from serving on basis of their race, gender, sex, or ethnicity. The legislation would allow the final remains of these individuals to be memorialized with a headstone or marker from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

There is documented evidence of men who were enslaved serving alongside American armies from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War. These individuals were not always granted their freedom for their service and in the case of the Confederacy were forced to support the fight to maintain their own enslavement. Too often in our history, the service of Black Americans and individuals held in bondage has been overlooked. Today, the formerly enslaved and others who were not formally enrolled in the military cannot be recognized with a headstone or marker from the Department of Veterans Affairs to signify their service.

"Black Americans have been fighting for our country since before our founding. Men and women who were kept in bondage defended our country and fought for it, despite not receiving the same rights as outlined by our founders. They have earned recognition for their service and contributions to our country," said Congressman Anthony Brown, a 30-year Army veteran. "As we mark Black History Month and celebrate those that paved the way for Black Americans, we need to ensure that the stories of persons who were formerly enslaved are told and commemorated."

Congressman Brown continued, "These individuals exhibited bravery and lived through immense and horrific hardship. Our country owes them and their descendants a debt of gratitude. Properly marking their headstones is one small token of the respect and dignity they have earned."

"From our earliest days as a nation, Black Americans have fought for and sacrificed for our country. However, it is not well understood that many did so under the unjust bonds of slavery. Until now, their service was rendered without the recognition they have earned. Today I am very proud to join my colleague and fellow-veteran Anthony Brown to correct the record and ensure these early Americans are appropriately honored," said Congressman Don Bacon, a 30-year Air Force veteran. "Even though long overdue, this meaningful legislation is appropriate and just, and I urge my colleagues to support its speedy consideration and enactment."

"The Society of the War of 1812 in Maryland is honored to have worked with Congressman Anthony Brown and Congressman Don Bacon in drafting this important legislation in the House of Representatives and believes this legislation will close long-overlooked gaps in existing law with respect to recognizing the service of both enslaved and free Blacks in times of national peril," said Louis Giles, Vice President, Society of the War of 1812 in Maryland. "Despite state and federal laws restricting their military service, these maltreated, overlooked and often forgotten patriots nevertheless endeavored to serve their country."

"With the Headstones for Honor Act, the United States Congress recognizes and honors those who served under the most arduous conditions," said Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen and Hamilton College Professor of History Ty Seidule. "Now, their final resting place will acknowledge their role in American history. It's never, ever, too late to do the right thing."

To read the full legislative text, click here

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