Puget Sound Regional Council’s Post

An Experiment That Helped Save America The legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen is multifaceted and profound, encompassing their accomplishments in World War II, their fight against racism, and their lasting impact on American society. Here are some key aspects that you may not have known. Pioneering heroism: First Black military aviators: They broke racial barriers by becoming the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps, overcoming prejudice and systemic racism. Distinguished service: They flew over 15,000 sorties in Europe and North Africa, amassing an impressive record and earning numerous accolades, including 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses. Nicknamed "Red Tails": Their distinctive red-painted P-51 Mustang fighters earned them the nickname "Red Tails," becoming a symbol of their skill and courage. Fighting for equality: Challenged segregation: Their success challenged the deeply ingrained notion of Black inferiority, paving the way for greater racial equality in the military and society. Inspiration for the Civil Rights Movement: Their courage and resilience served as an inspiration for the Civil Rights Movement, demonstrating the power of nonviolent resistance and demanding equal rights for all. Enduring impact: Desegregation of the military: Their achievements contributed significantly to President Harry S. Truman's decision to desegregate the U.S. military in 1948. Role models for future generations: The Tuskegee Airmen continue to inspire future generations, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, courage, and fighting for what's right. Educational resources: Numerous museums, memorials, and educational programs celebrate their legacy, ensuring their story is remembered and continues to inspire. In conclusion, the Tuskegee Airmen's legacy is a testament to their bravery, resilience, and commitment to fighting for equality. Their story continues to inspire and motivate individuals and communities striving for a more just and equitable society. https://lnkd.in/g4PTqyRZ

One more Veteran's Day shout out to my partner's grandfather George Hatch, WWI. Born in NC and was a child of the great migration north via Dahomey Plantation, MS and Bolivar County, AK and finally Indianapolis. This excerpt from the Army Historical Foundation gives some insight to the story and role of the Black soldier from the segregated South during the war. "As the people of the United States watched World War I ignite across Europe, African American citizens saw an opportunity to win the respect of their white neighbors. America was a segregated society and African Americans were considered, at best, second class citizens. Yet despite that, there were many African American men willing to serve in the nation’s military, but even as it became apparent that the United States would enter the war in Europe, blacks were still being turned away from military service. When the United States declared war against Germany in April of 1917, War Department planners quickly realized that the standing Army of 126,000 men would not be enough to ensure victory overseas. The standard volunteer system proved to be inadequate in raising an Army, so on 18 May 1917 Congress passed the Selective Service Act requiring all male citizens between the ages of 21 and 31 to register for the draft. Even before the act was passed, African American males from all over the country eagerly joined the war effort. They viewed the conflict as an opportunity to prove their loyalty, patriotism, and worthiness for equal treatment in the United States." I highly recommend reading the entire post "FIGHTING FOR RESPECT: AFRICAN-AMERICAN SOLDIERS IN WWI" at armyhistory.org because all history matters to everyone. The discovery into his journey is just beginning - stay tuned. #army #blackhistory #americanhistory #blacksoldier

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, which marks a pivotal moment in American history. Juneteenth symbolizes freedom and the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19th, 1865, Union Army general Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom for slaves in Texas nearly 2 ½ years after the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. At Pacolet, we continue to educate ourselves, support each other, and work towards a future where diversity, equity, and inclusion are valued and upheld. Learn more about #Juneteenth here: https://lnkd.in/g4EX_uUD

Here's the latest question in our trivia series! Check back later for the answer. #trivia #wwii #history #marines #pacificwar

As Black History Month comes to a close, BDR Solutions reflects on a pivotal chapter of American history – the integration of the U.S. Armed Forces. This journey towards unity in uniform, detailed in an enlightening article by the U.S. Air Force, underscores the ongoing struggle and progress towards equality and inclusion within the military ranks. The courage and determination of African American service members to serve their country, in spite of segregation and discrimination, played a crucial role in the desegregation of the Armed Forces, marking a significant step towards justice and equity in America. We invite you to read more about this important era in our history: https://buff.ly/4bxNh0l While this post concludes our Black History Month series, it does not signify the end of our recognition and celebration of the contributions, resilience, and achievements of the African American community. Let's carry forward the spirit of reflection, education, and appreciation throughout the year. #BlackHistoryMonth #MilitaryIntegration #UnityInUniform #BDRSolutions #ContinuedRecognition

Fun Fact: My grandfather was one of the first blacks allowed to join the Marine Corps during World War ll. Today, as we observe Juneteenth, it's essential to recognize that this day is much more than just a day off. Juneteenth marks the liberation of the last enslaved African Americans in 1865, a pivotal moment in our nation's history. Celebrating Juneteenth involves more than acknowledging the past; it requires education, action, and meaningful celebration. Let’s take this opportunity to: - Educate: Learn about the significance of Juneteenth and the ongoing journey towards racial equity. - Act: Engage in conversations, support Black-owned businesses, and advocate for policies that promote justice and equality. - Celebrate: Honor the rich cultural heritage and achievements of Black Americans through festivities, art, and community events. Let’s commit to making Juneteenth a day of profound reflection and purposeful action, celebrating the progress made and recognizing the work still to be done. https://lnkd.in/edQvZC_8 #Juneteenth #Education #Action #Celebration #RacialEquity #BlackHistory

YOU KNOW IN YOUR HEART OF HEARTS HE SAID IT NO MATTER HOW MUCH HE SAYS "FAKE NEWS"! Welcome to the Ultimate Showdown: Conning Conundrum Syndrome vs. Trump Derangement Syndrome! In one corner, we have... Conning Conundrum Syndrome (CCS)! - Symptoms: Unshakable loyalty, denial reflex, and the blame game shuffle. Victims insist they haven't been conned by Trump and Putin, despite overwhelming evidence that could make a blindfolded jury shout "Guilty!" And in the other corner, we have... Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS)! - Symptoms: Uncontrollable eye-rolling at the mention of Trump, spontaneous fits of fact-checking, and an intense urge to debunk every tweet. Accused sufferers vehemently oppose Trump, sometimes with a fervor that rivals a sports fan during the playoffs. CCS - "Conning Conundrum Syndrome" is like having a GPS that stubbornly refuses to recalibrate. You're headed for a cliff, but it keeps saying, "Turn right in 100 feet." You’re convinced the destination is glorious, but spoiler alert: it’s a steep drop into reality. TDS - "Trump Derangement Syndrome" is like having a highly sensitive radar that detects every single Trump-related blip, no matter how small. You’re hyper-aware of every move, comment, and typo, often resulting in high blood pressure and a sudden urge to tweet. Denial vs. Obsession - CCS: "No way, Trump’s perfect!" - TDS: "No way, Trump’s terrible!" Blame Game vs. Blame Flame - CCS: "What about those emails?" - TDS: "What about that tax return?" Loyalty vs. Paranoia - CCS: "Trump could do no wrong." - TDS: "Trump can do no right." The Hilarious Hypocrisy: - CCS sufferers are like fans at a magic show, utterly convinced that the magician’s tricks are real, while TDS sufferers are the skeptics yelling, "I see the wires!" - CCS Remedy: "Come on, admitting you've been conned isn't that bad. Think of it like realizing the magician pulls rabbits out of hats, not thin air." - TDS Remedy: "Hey, take a breath. Sometimes it’s okay to let a tweet pass by without a full investigation. Not every blip is a bombshell." In the grand scheme of things, both CCS and TDS could use a little bit of perspective, a dash of humor, and a lot less stress. After all, life’s too short to be stuck in a syndrome, right? So, whether you’re staunchly defending or constantly critiquing, remember to laugh along the way. Because in the end, we’re all just trying to navigate this crazy world, one conundrum at a time.

My newest article is out! Check out my piece for the Military History Chronicles, "Sew for Victory: How Women During WWII used their domesticity to aid the cause." I am proud of this one! #history #wwii #historian #militaryhistory #quilthistory #homefrontstudies

5 Powerful Lessons from the book “African American Experience During World War II”: 1. Unbreakable Spirit: Over 1.2 million African American men and women served with unwavering courage and commitment in every branch of the U.S. military during WWII, despite facing systemic discrimination and limited opportunities. Their resilience and patriotism in the face of adversity stand as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. 2. Fighting for a Double Victory: Black Americans sought to achieve a "Double Victory" - defeating the Axis powers abroad while simultaneously battling racism and injustice at home. This powerful movement united the community in a shared struggle for freedom, equality, and dignity. 3. Overcoming Segregation: Black soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines served with distinction in segregated units, enduring substandard conditions and hostility from white communities. Yet, they persevered, shattering stereotypes and proving their mettle on the battlefield. 4. Pivotal Contributions: African American service members played pivotal roles in some of the most significant battles of WWII, from the D-Day invasion to the Battle of the Bulge and the Pacific campaigns. Their valor and sacrifice were essential to the Allied victory. 5. Unrecognized Heroism: Despite their immense contributions, African American service members were denied the recognition they deserved. Not a single African American received the Medal of Honor during WWII, despite the 472 awarded to other U.S. recipients. This injustice serves as a sobering reminder of the work still needed to ensure true equality and justice for all. The African American experience during WWII is a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and the unbreakable human spirit. Their stories deserve to be honored, remembered and studied as they continue to inspire generations to come in the ongoing struggle for a more just and equitable world. https://a.co/d/9tySS5q

ISG, along with the entire United States Department of Defense, recognizes June 19, 2024 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, the commemoration and recognition of the end of African American slavery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation had officially freed enslaved people more than two years prior, it wasn’t until the end of the Civil War that Union troops had the full strength to enforce General Order No. 3 in the once Confederate states, such as Texas. When U.S. Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, after the U.S. Civil War to issue General Order No. 3 and secure the Union Army's authority over Texas, he spoke not just of freedom but "an absolute equality of personal rights" for all former slaves. The emancipation of enslaved Black Americans was not the end of our work to deliver on the promise of equality — it was only the beginning. On Juneteenth, we recommit to our shared work to ensure racial justice, equity, and equality in America. #DSCA #ISG #DSCU #securitycooperation #departmentofdefense #juneteenth #juneteenth2024