In the U.S. today is Memorial Day. A day to honor all who lost their life while serving in the military. There was a time where some joined because they had no choice with the draft. Others joined because they wanted to wholeheartedly fight for this country. Over the years, there have been many wars fought, some more justifiable than others. There have been men and women who served in various roles and sections of the military who lost their life. There have been people who represent different cultures who have lost their lives fighting for this country. But over the years all members of the military have not been treated equally due to racial discrimination. Today is still not the time everyone who serves comes back to red carpet treatment. Many come back without the proper services for mental and financial issues.
In the wars that preceded the Vietnam War, there was a high level of discrimination that took place for the Black soldiers. Many who dealt with racism at home still had to go through the same all while fighting for the country. Some who did make it through these wars, came back home and lost their lives due to racism. Below are some events in history where those in the who served died in ways that were unfair.
- In August 1898, Army Private James Neely was shot to death by a white mob in Georgia after protesting a store that refused to serve him.
- In 1917 and 1918, 19 men of the Third Battalion of the Black 24th United States Infantry were executed by hanging. This followed convictions in the 1917 Houston Riot protesting racism while being stationed in the city.
- In December 1918, a recently discharged Black Soldier name Charles Lewis was lynched in his uniform after being accused of a robbery by a police officer.
- In June 1947, Navy veteran Joe Nathan Roberts who was now a student at Temple University was visiting family in Georgia. After refusing to call some white men “Sir,” he was abducted from his parents home and murdered.
Again, on this day let’s remember all those who have served our country. But let’s not forgot the history of men and women who made sacrifices with little to no mention.