Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) introduced legislation yesterday that would establish a memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor African-American veterans of the American Revolutionary War. Historians estimate that nearly 5,000 African-Americans—including 400 from Connecticut—fought in the American Army, Navy, and militia during the Revolutionary War.
“For too long, the role these brave Americans played in the founding of our nation has been relegated to the dusty back pages of history. Fortunately, historians are now beginning to uncover their forgotten heroism,” said Dodd, in a Senate floor statement. “The time has come to recognize the sacrifice and the impact of the African Americans who fought for the birth of our country.”
The legislation would authorize the National Mall Liberty Fund D.C., a nonprofit organization founded by Connecticut resident Maurice Barboza, to establish a memorial on the National Mall to honor those African-Americans who volunteered for or contributed to the Revolutionary War effort. The bill was introduced with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA).
