(The first three paragraphs presented here, are as were presented to the Chapter and recorded in our archives in 1991)
In 1991, the Cincinnati Chapter S.A.R. issued a Resolution that supported the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.. This would be the first national symbol honoring enslaved and free black persons who fought in Revolutionary War.
The Department of Defense re-wrote its publication “Black Americans in Defense of Our Nation.” At the end of the chapter on the American Revolution there is a paragraph about the Patriots Memorial that says
“It is significant to note that the Sons of the American Revolution has emerged as one of the strongest support groups.”
There were between 5,000 and 10,000 forgotten slaves and free blacks who voluntarily fought in the army, navy and militia between 1775 and 1783. Many blacks served as substitutes for their masters, fought alongside them or ran away and enlisted.
Twenty six year later the Memorial has not been built. Numerous fund raising attempts have failed. In 2013 the Congress finally authorized building of the “National Liberty Memorial.” A “National Mall Liberty Fund” was also authorized to once again to begin raising private funds to construct the memorial. Under the rules established this fund has seven years ( until January 2, 2020) to raise the necessary funds to build the memorial and to obtain siting and design. On September 26, 2014 President Barack Obama signed legislation allowing the “National Liberty Memorial” to be placed on the National Mall on a site next to the Department of Agriculture. To learn more check out this link: https://libertyfunddc.com/
-Compatriot George H. Stewart, Chapter Historian
