Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam

WHEREAS, the over 209,000 United States Colored Troops, who fought in 449 engagements, were essential to the Union Army’s victory at Appomattox Court House; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth recognizes the patriot heroes who fought to save the United States of America and defeat slavery in the Civil War; and

WHEREAS, the United States Colored Troops Descendants erected the Unknown and Known Afro-Union Civil War Soldiers Memorial on the grounds of the Sergeant March Corprew Family Memorial Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, Virginians can pay tribute to the United States Colored Troops at their memorial in Chesapeake, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, on this day we recognize and honor individuals who fought for the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize September 24, 2018, as UNKNOWN AND KNOWN AFRO-UNION CIVIL WAR SOLDIER’S DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.