In the Army and Navy, beginning with the revolutionary war, Colored
Americans have taken an active part side by side with their other fellow
citizens in removing the foreign shackles from the limbs of the nation.
The War of 1812 also brought out Colored Americans to drive the
foreigner from our shores, and in both great wars the fighting ability
and courage of Colored Americans have been amply tested, weighed in the
balance, so to speak, and not found wanting.
The heroism displayed by thousands of Colored Americans in the great
Civil War, not only convinced the world of the sincerity and patriotism
of Colored Americans, but impressed the nation as well. The result of
this devotion to country and its interests, opened the eyes of the
government to an element of strength which it had recognized but had not
fostered to any great extent.
It is different now, for the government takes from the ranks of Colored
Americans its best and ablest men, satisfied from experience that
whatever duties are imposed upon them will be ably and intelligently
performed.