Steny Hoyer acknowledges lack of 'respect' toward WWII African Americans vets
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today to mark the beginning of Black History Month:
“Today, I join in marking the start of Black History Month and in celebrating African American history and culture throughout our country. From the arts and literature to business and politics, from medicine to athletics to community activism, African Americans have been at the forefront of shaping the America we all share.
“This year, as we observe the centennial of the end of the First World War, Black History Month brings as an opportunity to honor the legacy of those who confronted bigotry and segregation to serve their country and its highest ideals, even when those ideals were unfulfilled at home. Disproportionate to their share of the population, African Americans enlisted in large numbers and carried out many of the critical duties necessary to securing victory, many losing their lives in combat. When they returned home, these veterans were treated not with the respect they deserved but were met with discrimination, race riots, and a deprivation of the same democratic rights they had fought to protect in Europe. We remember their courage under fire and in the face of bigotry and pay tribute to their service and that of all who braved military segregation to serve our country before President Truman ordered the Armed Forces desegregated seventy years ago.
“Let us be strengthened by this determined spirit in our fight to build a nation that lives up to its highest values of equality, inclusion, and opportunity for all. I look forward to continuing to work closely with my colleagues in Congress from the Congressional Black Caucus to stand up for civil rights and voting rights. We must ensure that all have an equal chance to succeed in safe schools, access higher education, and pursue good careers that lead to a secure place in the middle class. Throughout this month and all during the year, let us make that our mission as we draw inspiration from Black History as we continue marching together toward progress and equality.”
“Today, I join in marking the start of Black History Month and in celebrating African American history and culture throughout our country. From the arts and literature to business and politics, from medicine to athletics to community activism, African Americans have been at the forefront of shaping the America we all share.
“This year, as we observe the centennial of the end of the First World War, Black History Month brings as an opportunity to honor the legacy of those who confronted bigotry and segregation to serve their country and its highest ideals, even when those ideals were unfulfilled at home. Disproportionate to their share of the population, African Americans enlisted in large numbers and carried out many of the critical duties necessary to securing victory, many losing their lives in combat. When they returned home, these veterans were treated not with the respect they deserved but were met with discrimination, race riots, and a deprivation of the same democratic rights they had fought to protect in Europe. We remember their courage under fire and in the face of bigotry and pay tribute to their service and that of all who braved military segregation to serve our country before President Truman ordered the Armed Forces desegregated seventy years ago.
“Let us be strengthened by this determined spirit in our fight to build a nation that lives up to its highest values of equality, inclusion, and opportunity for all. I look forward to continuing to work closely with my colleagues in Congress from the Congressional Black Caucus to stand up for civil rights and voting rights. We must ensure that all have an equal chance to succeed in safe schools, access higher education, and pursue good careers that lead to a secure place in the middle class. Throughout this month and all during the year, let us make that our mission as we draw inspiration from Black History as we continue marching together toward progress and equality.”
