LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the members of the 26th United States
Colored Troop during the observance of the U.S. Civil War Sesquicenten-
nial, recognizing their notable contributions to the citizens of the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to proudly call atten-
tion to those esteemed organizations and individuals of the State of New
York who dedicate their time and energies to educating its citizens on
the history of our great Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
members of the 26th United States Colored Troop (USCT) during the obser-
vance of the U.S. Civil War Sesquicentennial, recognizing their notable
contributions to the citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The 26th USCT is a Civil War Historical Interpreters group
based in the New York City area that is active in the New York, New
Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania regions; and
WHEREAS, The 26th USCT provides educational and cultural enrichment
programs, holds demonstrations, and speaks at living history events, as
well as in classrooms, museums, and heritage sites; furthermore the
group conducts historical battle reenactments of the history of the
20th, 26th, and 31st New York Regimental United States Colored Troops;
and
WHEREAS, Over 4,000 free African Americans of three regiments were
raised in New York Harbor in the icy waters of the East River; they were
part of more than 200,000 USCT organized as reinforcement; and
WHEREAS, These free men were both inspired and encouraged by Frederick
Douglas and Martin Delany; they left their trades, their other
professions, their families and loved ones to join the Federal Army to
fight to end slavery and save the Union; and
WHEREAS, The training bases were located at Camp Rikers, and Hart
Islands (the latter also known as Potter's Field); the Brooklyn Zouaves
were among the others who were trained on these islands on the East
River; and
WHEREAS, The New York USCT drew enlistees from all over, including
countries other than the United States, such as Haiti, Dominican Repub-
lic, Jamaica, Cuba, Trinidad, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Barbados,
Chile, Canada, and Cape Verde, as well as Native Americans from Long
Island; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge and
applaud those extraordinary groups of individuals who contribute so much
to the educational history of our Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the members of the 26th United States Colored Troop during the
observance of the U.S. Civil War Sesquicentennial, recognizing their
notable contributions to the citizens of the State of New York; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the 26th United States Colored Troop.