February is Black History Month

Over the last two centuries, many black Americans not only have served the United States military with distinction, in every conflict in US history but have also had to do it in a national climate which was not always accepting of their backgrounds or skin color. They have not only fought bravely the common enemies of the US and our allies but have also had to confront the individual and institutional racism of their countrymen. From Crispus Attucks in the Revolutionary War, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry in the Civil War, the 10th Cavalry Regiment (named Buffalo Soldiers by Native Americans) who followed to the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II and to today's military leaders, black Americans have made an indelible impact on American's military forces, and played a crucial role in its successes.

 Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African-Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of black Americans in history. The event grew out of a history week suggestion by noted historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. It recognized the contributions of African Americans to the country and fostered a better understanding of their experience. Since 1976, every US president has officially designated February as Black History Month. And since 1986 "National Black History Month" has lived as a time set aside by law to recognize the contributions of African-Americans to our nation. Other countries around the world also devote a month to celebrating black history including Canada also in February and the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in October.

 And each February during Black History Month, we in the US honor black Americans who came before us and still serve now, standing for their dreams and rights, and making a difference for us all.