This bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to the First Rhode Island Regiment in recognition of their heroic service during the Revolutionary War, particularly highlighting their integrated composition and valor at the Battle of Rhode Island.
Gabe Amo
Representative
RI-1
The "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the First Rhode Island Regiment, a historically significant integrated unit that fought valiantly during the Revolutionary War. The medal will be presented to the Rhode Island State Library for public display and research. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
Congress Greenlights Gold Medal for Revolutionary War's First Rhode Island Regiment: Integrated Unit Finally Gets Its Due
The "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" officially recognizes a groundbreaking unit from the Revolutionary War. This bill, signed into law, authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal for the First Rhode Island Regiment—a unit that included African American and Native American soldiers who fought for American independence.
Breaking Barriers, Earning Recognition
This act acknowledges a critical moment in American history. Back in 1778, facing manpower shortages, the Continental Army was struggling. Rhode Island stepped up, and in February of that year, the state's General Assembly made a pivotal decision: they allowed the enlistment of "any able-bodied negro, mulatto, or Indian man slave," promising freedom to those who joined (SEC. 2). This led to the formation of the First Rhode Island Regiment, one of the first integrated military units in American history. The regiment, comprised of almost 200 men of African heritage and Indigenous descent, fought bravely, notably at the Battle of Rhode Island in August 1778, where they held off Hessian forces (SEC. 2).
Medal and Mementos
The bill directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for a single gold medal to be awarded to the regiment (SEC. 3). That medal will find a home at the Rhode Island State Library, where it'll be on display and available for research (SEC. 3). The law also says the library should make the medal available for display elsewhere, especially places connected to the regiment (SEC. 3). Want a piece of history for yourself? The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to make and sell bronze duplicates (SEC. 4), with the proceeds going back into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund (SEC. 6).
Beyond the Battlefield
It's worth noting that the service of these soldiers didn't always guarantee an easy path. The findings section of the bill mentions that some veterans faced attempts at re-enslavement and had to fight for back wages (SEC. 2). This medal isn't just about their wartime service; it's a belated recognition of their fight for freedom in every sense of the word. This act ensures that their contributions, and the complex history they represent, are remembered and honored.