The day after Veteran’s Day, State Rep. Dan Swanson took to the Illinois State House floor to read a resolution honoring 12 African-American men from Galesburg that fought in the Civil War.
Back in 1863, following the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation President Abraham Lincoln called for the raising of a black regiment for the Union Army.
The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was formed becoming only the second black unit to serve in the Civil War.
“The 54th Mass helped inspire the enlistment of more than 180,000 black soldiers, a boost in morale and manpower that President Lincoln recognized as essential to the victory of the United States and the destruction of slavery throughout the country,” Swanson said on the House floor.
Black men traveled across the country and world to Boston to join the 54th Massachusetts, including 12 from Galesburg.
Swanson tells WGIL that he learned about Galesburg’s connections to the regiment from Galesburg Alderman Dwight White.
White says recognitions like these are a “point of pride” as an African-American and a veteran himself.
Swanson’s measure was given unanimous support in the House.
Among those attending the presentation in Springfield were White, Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman, Tony Franklin and Jim Jacobs.
