Bill Text: MI HR0125 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to declare June 9, 2021, as 102nd United States Colored Troops Day in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 10-2)
Status: (Passed) 2021-06-09 - Adopted [HR0125 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-HR0125-Introduced.html
house resolution no.125
Reps. Alexander and Lightner offered the following resolution:
Whereas, The 102nd United States Colored Troops honorably and courageously served the United States and the state of Michigan during the Civil War; and
Whereas, The 102nd United States Colored Troops was Michigan’s only black regiment in the war. Many of its soldiers were former slaves who had escaped to freedom; and
Whereas, The unit was formed in 1863 as the First Michigan Colored Infantry Regiment. Although Michigan’s white regiments retained their state designation, the First Michigan Colored Infantry was renamed the 102nd United States Colored Troops when it began federal service in 1864; and
Whereas, The men of the 102nd United States Colored Troops and other black regiments served nobly despite the disparate treatment they received compared to white regiments. White soldiers were provided with enlistment bonuses, higher pay, and better equipment, while white officers were appointed to command black units; and
Whereas, Black regiments were generally assigned non-combat duties, such as the construction of fortifications or the destruction of Confederate railroads, but the 102nd United States Colored Troops also fought bravely in battle when opportunities arose; and
Whereas, The soldiers of the 102nd United States Colored Troops put their lives on the line to save the Union, an effort that ushered in the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the abolition of legalized slavery across the nation; and
Whereas, Michigan’s Governor and Legislature unanimously recognized the 102nd United States Colored Troops with the enactment of Public Act 494 of 2014, which designated the portion of Interstate 375 within Wayne County as the “102nd United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.) Memorial Highway” in honor of the regiment; and
Whereas, The state of Michigan preserves battle flags carried by Michigan troops, including flags used by the 102nd United States Colored Troops. Flag replicas are displayed in the state Capitol rotunda; and
Whereas, A prominent young citizen of Jackson, Michigan, has led fundraising efforts for the installation of signs denoting the 102nd United States Colored Troops Memorial Highway, as well as for conservation and a replica of a battle flag presented to the 102nd United States Colored Troops in 1864 by the Colored Ladies Aid Society of Detroit; and
Whereas, The heroism and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 102nd United States Colored Troops are worthy of our deepest gratitude and emulation; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare June 9, 2021, as 102nd United States Colored Troops Day in the state of Michigan.
