Thread by @NMAAHC

African American soldiers have served in every war in the United States. In choosing to join the military, African Americans sought to have their service understood by the nation as a demand for liberty and citizenship. We honor your sacrifice. #VeteransDay #APeoplesJourney

African American men and women who engaged in the military made their service useful not only for the good of their country, but to benefit both their personal lives and their community. #VeteransDay #APeoplesJourney

Approximately 5,000 to 6,000 African Americans served in the Colonial Forces; an estimated 20,000 served with the British Forces. Prince Simbo was a Revolutionary War Patriot who fought for his country's liberty, while many remained enslaved. #VeteransDay #APeoplesJourney

In the War of 1812, from 12 to 20% of the U.S. Navy was African American. At least 350 African Americans fought in the U.S. Army during the Seminole Wars. #VeteransDay #APeoplesJourney

More than 179,000 African Americans served in the Union Army. 20,000 to 30,000 served in the Union Navy. More than 38,000 African American soldiers were killed during the Civil War. #VeteransDay #APeoplesJourney

12,500 to 14,000 African Americans served in the Army during the Indian Wars between 1866 and 1891: 20% of Cavalrymen and 8 to 10% of Infantry soldiers were African American. #VeteransDay #APeoplesJourney

During #WWI, 367, 710 African Americans were drafted and roughly 400,00 served in the still segregated military. More than 200,00 served overseas. An estimated 750 servicemen died in combat, and another 5,000 were wounded. #VeteransDay #APeoplesJourney

During #WWII, approximately 1.2M African Americans served—including 6.5K in the Women’s Army Corps (WACS). The Double V (for victory) campaign fought for freedom overseas and at home, for African Americans who were still denied equal citizenship. #VeteransDay #APeoplesJourney

During the Vietnam War, more than 275K African Americans served in the military and over 7K African Americans were killed on active duty. Soldiers used the dap, a combination of hand and body gestures to greet each other and communicate solidarity.
#VeteransDay #APeoplesJourney

Search our collection to see objects related to the African American military experience: s.si.edu/2fISsld #VeteransDay #APeoplesJourney