Role Of African-American Troops In Civil War To Be Explored At Virginia War Memorial
Stories of Service: U.S. Colored Troops Program Part of Black History Month Commemoration on
February 26
The decisive role that African-American troops played in the Union’s victory in the American Civil War will be the topic of a special presentation, Stories of Service: U.S. Colored Troops, Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virginia War Memorial.
The program is part of the Memorial’s commemoration of Black History Month and will be presented in partnership with the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend.
179,000 African-Americans served in what was known as The United States Colored Troops (USCTs) from 1861-1865. Another 19,000 served in the Union Navy. These soldiers and sailors became known for their bravery and honor in the face of adversity from all sides.
Dr. William Kurtz, Managing Director and Digital Historian at the University of Virginia’s Nau Center for Civil War History, and Mike Gorman, Ranger and Historian for the Richmond National Battlefield Park, will discuss the history and accomplishments of Virginia’s USCTs who fought for the Union and their own freedom. Following their presentations, Christy Coleman, CEO of the American Civil War Museum will lead a panel discussion and question-and-answer session.
Due to expansion construction, parking at the Virginia War Memorial is limited. Free parking will be available at the Virginia Housing and Development Authority (VHDA) lot at 601 South Belvidere Street next door to the Memorial.
For more information about Stories of Service: U.S. Colored Troops, please call the Memorial at 804.786.2060 or visit www.vawarmemorial.org/upcoming-events or www.dvs.virginia.gov.
About the Virginia War Memorial
The mission of the Virginia War Memorial is to Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth and Inspire Patriotism in All. Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the
nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea,
Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and the Global War on Terrorism. Situated on nearly five acres overlooking the James River at 621 South Belvidere Street in Richmond, the Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who served in our military. More at www.vawarmemorial.org .
About VDVS
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) operates 32 benefit offices throughout the state that assist military veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans
benefits; two long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing, Alzheimer’s/memory
care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; and three cemeteries that provide an honored
final resting place for veterans and their families. VDVS provides veterans and family members with direct linkages to services including behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, education and other programs. The Department also operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s monument to honor the memory and sacrifice of Virginia’s men and women who served and fought to defend our way of life from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.