** Click here or above to watch my remarks.**
This weekend, we observe Memorial Day and pay tribute to all those who gave their lives in service to the United States of America.
The reason we build monuments and memorials to the dead is so their examples live. We can draw inspiration from heroes who did incredible things and fought for a more perfect Union and a world at peace.
I recently spoke on the Senate floor about the legacy of Hoosiers who served in our nation’s first all-Black regiment, the Massachusetts 54th Infantry.
These Hoosiers came from places like Newport, Richmond, Lewisville, and Centerville. They were farmers, blacksmiths, and barbers. They answered the call to serve, and ultimately some gave their lives for our country. In my remarks, I spoke about two such men – Thomas Ampey and John Wilson.
Over 1,500 Black Hoosiers served in the Civil War across the Union Army. As President Abraham Lincoln acknowledged, the bravery of Black soldiers, from Indiana and across the Union, helped preserve the Union.
It took great courage for these Black Americans to believe in the goodness of this country, its people, and the promise of its founding.
We remember these men and all who paid the ultimate price for our freedom on this Memorial Day weekend.
You can watch my full remarks here. |