Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz held a ceremony honoring African American Veteran for their service to our country
Rep. Wasserman Schultz and the veterans she honored.
By Michael Liquerman
During the month of February we honor the immeasurable achievements and contributions of African Americans to our nation’s political, cultural, and economic fabric.
In her remarks to the veterans, local leaders and students at Cooper City High School, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz said: “Since our founding, African Americans have bravely fought in every war fought by or within the United States. At Bunker Hill and Fort Ticonderoga, both free and enslaved Blacks fought to secure our independence from Great Britain.
While African Americans have always fought to protect our nation’s ideals and freedoms, it was not until 1948 that President Harry Truman issued an Executive Order to desegregate the Armed Forces.
Like the Tuskegee Airmen who were still subjected to Jim Crow Laws during the Second World War, your valor and love for country too often came at the price of discrimination, institutional racism, and unconscionable bigotry.
Too many fought for freedom abroad knowing this imperfect democracy would not grant them those same freedoms here at home.
However, this never deterred African Americans from action, or their eagerness to join their fellow Americans and prove their patriotism.
Despite all of this, you chose to put country first and yourselves second, and for that we are eternally grateful.
However, we owe you much more than gratitude. We owe the many freedoms that we enjoy to you – from the freedom of expression, to the right to vote.”
Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz honored:
Senior Master Sgt. Cynthia Addison
Sergeant Jonathan
Anderson
Cpt. Sheila Chamberlain
Specialist Charles Green
Lt. Col. Kenneth Green
Sgt. 1st Class Jesus Harte
Sgt. Paula Jarrett
Sgt. Jamal Jenkins
Sgt. Sarai Martin
Sgt. Milton Moore
Col. Derek Pruitt
Cpt. Merwyn Reaves
Petty Ofc. Edward Roberts
Sgt. Philip Rolle
Sgt. Major Billy Scott
Cpt. Joevahn Scott
Cpt. Bryan Thompson
Sgt. Major Arthur Wells
Sgt. Robert White
