Honor Harlem Hellfighters Soldiers

Senate Resolution No. 1543 BY: Senator COMRIE PAYING tribute to the soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment for their courage, bravery, service and dedication to the United States Army, in conjunction with the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the commencement of World War I WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend events which evoke the historical, social and cultural development of this great State, and to pay tribute to the memory of individuals of remarkable courage and strength of character, whose purposeful lives embodied the spirit of the principles upon which this Nation was founded; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay tribute to the soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment for their courage, bravery, service and dedication to the United States Army, in conjunction with the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the commencement of World War I; and WHEREAS, The 369th Infantry Regiment, formerly known as the 15th New York National Guard Regiment, was an infantry regiment of the United States Army National Guard during World War I and World War II; and WHEREAS, The Regiment consisted mainly of African Americans, though it also included a number of Puerto Rican Americans during World War II; it was known for being the first African American regiment to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I; and WHEREAS, Before the 15th New York National Guard Regiment was formed, any African American who wanted to fight in the war had to enlist in the French or Canadian armies; the regiment was nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters, the Black Rattlers, and the Men of Bronze, which was given to the regiment by the French; and WHEREAS, The nickname Harlem Hellfighters was given to them by the Germans due to their toughness and that they never lost a man through capture, lost a trench or a foot of ground to the enemy; and WHEREAS, The Harlem Hellfighters were the first all-African American regiment which helped change the American public's opinion on African American soldiers and paved the way for future African American soldiers; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay tribute to the soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment for their courage, bravery, service and dedication to the United States Army, in conjunction with the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the commencement of World War I; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the I.S. 109 Mock Trial Team.