Congressional Gold Medal to Honor Revolutionary War's First Rhode Island Regiment: Integrated Unit Recognized for Bravery

The "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" officially recognizes the service and sacrifice of one of the first racially integrated units in American military history. This bill authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal—the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow—to collectively honor the First Rhode Island Regiment, a unit that included Black, mixed-race, and Indigenous soldiers who fought for American independence during the Revolutionary War.

Honoring a Legacy

The core of this bill is straightforward: It directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for a Congressional Gold Medal to be struck in honor of the First Rhode Island Regiment. The bill specifically notes the regiment's formation in 1778, when Rhode Island, facing recruitment challenges, allowed the enlistment of enslaved men with the promise of freedom upon service (SEC. 2). This led to the creation of a unit with nearly 200 soldiers of African and Indigenous descent, who played a crucial role in the Battle of Rhode Island and continued to serve throughout the war. The medal itself will be designed by the Secretary of the Treasury, featuring "suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions" (SEC. 3).

Beyond the Medal: Display and Duplicates

This isn't just about creating a medal; it's about making sure the story of the First Rhode Island Regiment is accessible. The bill mandates that the gold medal be given to the Rhode Island State Library, where it will be displayed and available for research (SEC. 3). Congress also expresses its intent that the library should make the medal available for display at other locations associated with the regiment. Think traveling exhibits and educational opportunities. Furthermore, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to create and sell bronze duplicates of the medal (SEC. 4). The price of these duplicates will be set to cover the costs of production, with proceeds going back into the U.S. Mint's Public Enterprise Fund (SEC. 6). This means the public can own a piece of history, and the sales help offset the cost of the original gold medal.

Real-World Impact: Remembering and Learning

For the descendants of the at least 89 named soldiers of the First Rhode Island Regiment, this medal represents a long-overdue recognition of their ancestors' bravery and contribution. It is important to note that some veterans later faced re-enslavement attempts and fought for back wages (SEC. 2). For everyone else, it's a powerful reminder of a lesser-known chapter in American history. The bill highlights a moment when racial integration was not just an ideal, but a military reality, born out of necessity and a commitment to freedom. The requirement for display and research ensures that this story continues to be told, educating future generations about the diverse group of individuals who fought for American independence. The authorization to use the United States Mint's Public Enterprise Fund to cover costs (SEC. 6) ensures that this recognition doesn't place an additional burden on taxpayers.