The names of more than 100 Black Americans who were Civil War veterans were added to a monument in Cleveland, reports the Associated Press. The name of each honoree was read aloud Wednesday as it was added to the Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument on Public Square. Those added include 107 veterans from the U.S. Colored Troops who were from the area. There were U.S. Army regiments made up of primarily Black soldiers. Organizers of the event said it took 20 years of research and verification by historians to find the names. June 19 was chosen for the ceremony because it marks Juneteenth, which reflects the emancipation proclamation.
Advertisement
