The United States and its closest European allies paused on Sunday to mark 100 years since the end of World War I. African-Americans, all too often overlooked, fought bravely in that war. Several memorials to their sacrifice in World War I and this nation’s other wars are scattered throughout the nation.
SEE ALSO: Remembering African-American Soldiers’ Role World War II: The Good, Bad And The Ugly
On Saturday, Houston’s Buffalo Soldiers National Museum hosted a ceremony at which a new monument was unveiled to honor Black soldiers 100 years ago during World War I, Taisha Walker of KPRC-TV tweeted.
“A privilege to say thank you this morning on behalf of the UK for the service & sacrifice of the Buffalo Soldiers – African-Americans who served under French command during WWI,” Karen Bell, the British Consul General in Texas, tweeted at the ceremony.
Indeed, European allies have long recognized the bravery of African-American troops. The 369th Infantry (formerly the 15th Regiment New York Guard), known as the “Harlem Hellfighters,” was among the first regiments dispatched to France. The all-Black squad was also among the most highly decorated by France for its bravery.
Like those who came before them and those who came after, African-American troops have fought wars for a country that denied them their rights.
Here are some of the monuments to their sacrifice and service:
1. African American Military History Museum
Ruth Bailey Earl and Cathay Williams at the African American Military History Museum in Hattiesburg, MS @HburgAAMHM https://t.co/0vFyDNb4Zr
— Valerie Hawkins (@librariesval) July 27, 2017
2. All Wars Memorial To Colored Soldiers And Sailors
Celebrate the final day of #BlackHistoryMonth with a visit to the All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors https://t.co/IeKycsCXjS pic.twitter.com/DbhZ12rS4r
— Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (@PhilaParkandRec) February 28, 2017
3. The African American Civil War Memorial
got to talk with frank smith for a while at the 20th anniversary of the african american civil war memorial. very cool. he was never my council member, but have to acknowledge his huge legacy in ward 1 and dc in general. pic.twitter.com/MTDL5skNlB
— The X2 (@TheX2BusDC) July 20, 2018
4. Crispus Attucks/Boston Massacre Monument
Crispus Attucks was killed at the Boston Massacre. A monument was built to him in the late 19thC https://t.co/1bc3i7Z4Od pic.twitter.com/uNoEoxpnZk
— BackStory (@BackStoryRadio) June 5, 2017
5. Victory Monument
Victory Monument/35th Street & King Drive in Chicago
— Nina Metz (@Nina_Metz) August 15, 2017
Honoring an African-American Natl. Guard unit that served in France during World War I pic.twitter.com/b5fJWQA2VT
6. Tuskegee Airmen Memorial
Driving back to VA & discovered a memorial in SC I CAN honor.In spite of segregation, racism, & prejudice the Tuskegee Airmen fought for US! pic.twitter.com/dwVCRO3qOQ
— Melissa Porfirio (@2014VaTOY) August 19, 2017
7. Robert Gould Shaw And Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial
8. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Explore the legacy of the frontier cavalry at Houston's Buffalo Soldier National Museum. #BuffaloSoldierDay. https://t.co/4aXpysjc5N pic.twitter.com/qU4EzJlriD
— Texas Highways Magazine (@TexasHighways) July 28, 2017
9. The African-American Medal Of Honor Recipients Memorial
Yesterday #NABVETS gathered to remember African American Medal of Honor recipients at the memorial in Brandywine Park, Wilmington. pic.twitter.com/i2FOwI7fjl
— NABVETS_Delaware (@NABVETS94) February 28, 2017
10. Colored Union Soldiers Monument
Monument to "Colored Union Soldiers Who Fought in the War of 1861-1865" in North Carolina, erected ca. 1910 by the black community of Hertford, NC.https://t.co/pW5iYu0EbW pic.twitter.com/lI8ivGllpD
— Adam Rothman (@arothmanhistory) August 25, 2018