Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Integration of the Armed Forces

Floor Speech

RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTEGRATION OF THE ARMED FORCES -- (Extensions of Remarks - August 01, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. KATHY CASTOR
OF FLORIDA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2008

* Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the 60th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9981, in which President Truman ordered the racial integration of the Armed Forces, declaring that, ``there be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the Armed Services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.''

* While it is fitting that we celebrate the official 60-year anniversary, we should also recognize that African Americans have been fighting on behalf of our Nation from the American Revolutionary War to the current Global War on Terror. The sacrifices made and service given by African American soldiers to our country, even when our country failed to live up to its own promise of equality and justice for all, is a testament to their belief that hard work and faith would eventually allow them to become full partners in every facet of society, including our Armed Forces.

* The celebration of this anniversary also gives me an opportunity to recognize a trailblazing African American woman from my hometown who was among the first five African American women in Tampa to join the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps back in 1942, six years prior to the signing of the Executive Order. Mrs. Willie Mae Williams, who celebrated her 95th birthday this past November, proudly served her nation paving the way for others from her community, and women in particular, to follow in her steps.

* In her recent interview with the Women Veterans Historical Project for the Library of Congress, Mrs. Williams gave a very candid and informative look at the experience she had in the military as a woman of color. At that time, women were not allowed to face combat, instead serving as cooks and laundry workers, who often had to go together in groups to take showers to ensure their safety, and who endured taunts from officers who opposed their participation, either on the basis of their gender or color, and in some instances both. While Mrs. Williams acknowledged that life in the service for women of color was ``rough'', she certainly views herself and others as role models for the women who came after. She observed, ``We were good pioneers.''

* Indeed, the service of Mrs. Williams and other women like her has led to the growth in service of African American women and men throughout the years. Currently, 20 percent of the more than 1,754,900 service members who have fought in support of the ongoing Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom are minorities, evidence that the United States could not maintain an all-volunteer force without the service of and critical role played by minorities, including women.

* Our Armed Forces have been served by some of the most brilliant African American leaders from Benjamin O. Davis Senior and Junior to Colin Powell as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Today, minorities serve in senior leadership positions throughout the Armed Forces, as commissioned, warrant and non-commissioned officers. The advancement of these men and women is evidence that the integration of the Armed Forces not only enhanced the combat effectiveness of the military 60 years ago, but continues still to ensure that America has a diverse array of its best and brightest working to defend it.

* I am pleased to commemorate this historic event, and salute all our brave men and women who have served us so well through the years.

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