This bill posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War, recognizing their bravery and service.
Cory Booker
Senator
NJ
The United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War in recognition of their service and bravery. The Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the gold medal, which will then be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs, with proceeds going back to the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund.
Congressional Gold Medal to Honor United States Colored Troops: Recognition at Last for Civil War Heroes
The "United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act" finally gives long-overdue recognition to the roughly 200,000 African-American soldiers and 19,000 sailors who fought for the Union during the Civil War. This bill, straight up, authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal – one of the nation's highest civilian honors – to be awarded posthumously to these brave individuals.
Honoring the Legacy
This isn't just about a medal; it's about acknowledging a crucial part of American history that's been overlooked for far too long. The bill highlights the fact that these soldiers and sailors risked everything – including re-enslavement if captured – to fight for freedom and the preservation of the Union. As stated in the bill's findings (SEC. 2), African Americans served in the U.S. military since the Colonial Era, but their Civil War contributions were often downplayed or ignored.
This Act changes that. The Congressional Gold Medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution (SEC. 3) for display and research, ensuring that the story of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) is shared with future generations. Think of it like this: your grandkids will be able to visit a museum and see this medal, sparking conversations and learning about the sacrifices made by these soldiers and sailors.
Making History Accessible
Beyond the main gold medal, the bill also allows for bronze duplicates to be made and sold to the public (SEC. 4). The money from these sales goes right back into covering the costs of production (SEC. 6), so it's a self-sustaining way to honor this history. It is like buying a piece of history, with the proceeds going to preserve the legacy of the USCT. And these aren't just any medals; they're officially designated as "national medals" and "numismatic items" (SEC. 5), meaning they hold real historical and collectible value.
The Bigger Picture
The bill directly acknowledges the initial resistance to arming African Americans, President Lincoln's eventual recognition of their importance, and the crucial role of leaders like Frederick Douglass in encouraging enlistment (SEC. 2). It also reminds us that 18 USCT members and 8 African-American sailors received the Medal of Honor – the highest military award for valor – further emphasizing their bravery and dedication. This is about setting the record straight and recognizing the full scope of American history.
This law ensures that the contributions of these individuals are no longer relegated to footnotes. It's a powerful statement about who we are as a nation and who we choose to honor.