In the late 1700s, about 7,000 black soldiers defended America in the Revolutionary War. In the Civil War, more than 180,000 donned the Union blue to fight for volunteer regiments. Finally, in 1866, ...
We meet tonight as comrades to stand guard around the sacred truths ... and elevate the heart of every worthy soldier who fought for the Union, [applause,] and he shall be our brother forevermore.