FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2019
CONTACT
CJ Epps
202.263.2800
media@cbcfinc.org
WASHINGTON — CBCF President & CEO David A. Hinson issued the following statement in observance of Veterans Day 2019:
“Today, we thank and pay homage to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who patrolled, protected and defended our country on land and water, and in the air and cyberspace.
“Many U.S. military veterans served this great nation for extended periods of time away from their families and hometowns. We are thankful for the sacrifice of their time and are extremely grateful for their commitment to the American people in times of peace and especially in times of war.
“On this day, we also honor the unwavering patriotic resilience and devotion of African Americans to the values of freedom, democracy, and justice. Whether dating back to one of the first all-Black military units during the Civil War known as the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry; the 1.1 million Black men that enlisted in WWII; or fighting today’s continued struggle for veterans benefits, African American military veterans have always served their country even when the country did not guarantee freedom and equality for them.
“We extend a special thanks to those Congressional Black Caucus members who served our country in the military and went on to become public servants in the U.S. Congress — Congressmen Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. [U.S. Army]; Bobby L. Rush [U.S. Army]; Robert C. “Bobby” Scott [Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve]; G.K. Butterfield [U.S. Army]; and Anthony Brown [U.S. Army Reserve]. We also salute Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson who served as a nurse to veterans, beginning her career as the first female African American Chief Psychiatric Nurse at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
“In addition to those who served in the U.S. military, we are appreciative of the individuals and organizations that collectively support and uplift the global Black veteran community via their dedicated service, consistent advocacy, and long-standing commitment to addressing equality and equitable access to resources and benefits for African American veterans.”
ABOUT CBCF
Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and educational institute committed to advancing the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org.
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