Ahead of Veterans Day, Beatty Honors Buffalo Soldiers and Black Veterans

WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus introduced two resolutions ahead of Veterans Day to honor the service and sacrifice of America's Black veterans, past and present. The first resolution, H.Res.862, calls for a commemorative postage stamp recognizing the "Buffalo Soldiers," the all-Black regiments of formerly enslaved people, freedmen, and Civil War soldiers who helped rebuild the nation and served with distinction for nearly 90 years. Beatty was joined by Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) in a second resolution, S.Con.Res.23,honoring all Black veterans across American history, acknowledging the discrimination many faced upon returning home, and urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue closing racial gaps in health care and benefits.

As the Trump administration continues to tear down, attack, and destroy Black history, Congresswoman Beatty is holding ground, and honoring the distinguished, valiant, Black veterans that made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

For nearly 90 years - almost a century - the Buffalo Soldiers served with distinction in nearly every major American conflict, including the Plains Wars, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, until the units were disbanded in 1951. Named after their regular encounters with Native American tribes, their name came to symbolize the respect Native Americans had for their bravery and valor.

A testament to their bravery and persistence, despite the racial discrimination they faced at home, over 30 of the "Buffalo Soldiers" earned the medal of honor for their distinguished service.

"Even after serving our country, these valiant servicemembers faced racial discrimination at home as they carried our country through various conflicts defending our rights, liberties, and freedom," said Congresswoman Beatty."This recognition is long overdue and will help preserve their legacy for generations to come."

The second resolution, S.Con.Res.23, recognizes Black veterans across American history, honors their heroic military sacrifices, acknowledges the unique challenges they encounter upon their arrival home, and calls for the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue seeking solutions to mend the health and benefit disparities for minority veterans.

"Our Black servicemembers have played a vital role in defending our nation, even while experiencing brutal racial discrimination at home. Many put their lives on the line to defend our freedom, then returned to a society that afforded them fewer rights than their fellow white servicemembers,"said Congresswoman Beatty."Though the civil rights era has ended, racial disparities have not. In the past year, the current administration has repeatedly attacked the legacy and history of African Americans - at our military bases, in our classrooms, and in every corner of our society. These resolutions are not only a statement of recognition; they are a clarion call to my Republican colleagues that our nation's commitment to honoring Black veterans must never waver. Every servicemember deserves dignity, respect, and the care they have earned."

"Generations of Black veterans have served in our Armed Forces with honor and distinction but came home to a nation that did not grant them the same rights as their peers," said Senator Blunt Rochester. "As some seek to erase our history, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and I are standing united to introduce a resolution to honor America's Black veterans and recommit to supporting them when they return home. Let us remember their sacrifice and service to our nation as we commemorate Veterans Day."

This effort builds on Congresswoman Beatty's longstanding leadership in honoring Black veterans and engaging all veterans of Ohio's Third District. In September, she joined congressional leaders in awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, a segregated African American unit celebrated for its bravery and service in World War I. Denied the chance to fight under American command because of discrimination, the Harlem Hellfighters were placed with French forces, where they spent 191 days on the front lines without losing a foot of ground or a man to capture. Their heroism earned them France's highest military honor, the Croix de Guerre.

Earlier this year, she hosted a roundtable discussion in Columbus to hear directly from local veterans about their experiences accessing benefits and health care. Their stories and insights continue to guide her work in Washington to ensure that every veteran-especially those who have faced systemic barriers-receives the recognition, care, and benefits they have earned.

H.Res.862 recognizing the Buffalo Soldiers is cosponsored by Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), Rep. Cleo Fields (LA-06), Rep. Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Rep. Al Green (TX-09), Rep. Wesley Bell (MO-01), Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), and Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33)

Click below to read the full text of both resolutions:

H.Res. 862 - Honoring the Buffalo Soldiers

S.Con.Res. 23 - Recognizing Black Veterans Across American History

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