Today, in advance of Memorial Day Weekend, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) and Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) and 18 Members of Congress introduced bipartisan legislation to recognize America’s first integrated military unit — the First Rhode Island Regiment — by posthumously awarding its members with the Congressional Gold Medal.
The bill would bestow this long-overdue honor on brave Revolutionary War soldiers from Rhode Island who came together in a multiracial coalition to the fight for America’s independence.
“The Congressional Gold Medal was established by the Continental Congress in 1776, just two years before America’s first integrated unit — the First Rhode Island Regiment — valiantly fought for our country’s independence,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “As we introduce this bill in advance of Memorial Day weekend, we take long-overdue action to recognize the contributions of a trailblazing regiment that demonstrated valor on the field of battle and upheld our nation’s values of equality and inclusion. I express my deep gratitude for these brave individuals who served our nation and the sacrifices made by all our men and women in uniform who protect our freedom.”
“I can think of few Americans more deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal than the patriots of the First Rhode Island Regiment, our country’s first racially integrated military unit,” said Rep. Magaziner. “For far too long, these brave heroes and their contributions to our nation’s independence have gone unrecognized. I am proud to join Representative Amo in honoring the service and sacrifice of this trailblazing regiment.”
BACKGROUND
In January 1778, General George Washington sought Rhode Island Governor Nicholas Cooke’s help in recruiting men from Rhode Island. One month later, the Rhode Island General Assembly allowed African, multiracial, and Indigenous men to enlist as soldiers, granting them freedom upon joining. Nearly 200 men of African and Indigenous heritage were recruited, forming the First Rhode Island Regiment – the first integrated unit fighting for the United States.
During the Battle of Rhode Island on August 29, 1778, the First Rhode Island Regiment displayed bravery, holding back three regiments of German mercenaries for the British Army and forcing them to retreat. Marquis de Lafayette, the famous Frenchman who joined the American war for independence, called the 1778 Battle of Rhode Island “the best fought action of the war.” The Regiment continued to fight for American independence as part of the integrated Rhode Island Regiment for five more years.
On December 25, 1783, the last Rhode Island soldiers were discharged in Saratoga, New York, and their commander, Colonel Jeremiah Olney, praised their dedication and fortitude. Afterward, despite their brave and honorable service, these veterans faced economic hardship, and had to resist re-enslavement attempts and fight for wages owed by the Rhode Island General Assembly.
This legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the First Rhode Island Regiment was introduced by Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) alongside Representative Seth Magaziner (D-RI) and cosponsored by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) Andre Carson (D-IN), Judy Chu (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Al Green (D-TX), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Nikema William (D-GA).
This legislation is endorsed by a broad coalition of groups and organizations: BlackPast.org, Jewish War Veterans of Rhode Island, Military-Veterans Advocacy, Inc., Museum of the American Revolution, Newport County Branch NAACP, RI Black Heritage Society.
All of the multicultural fought to keep all citizens free. There is a beautiful historic monument to the First Integrated Regiment of RI.
Members of all different men and women of many different cultures fought and died defending our beloved freedom. Freedom for all.
Remember the bravery of all those who have died. 7000+ Boots on the Ground at Fort Adam’s in memory of those soldiers. My father is a veteran of 2 World Wars & served for 35+years. In memory of QMCS Senior Chief Ralph Edward Fickenworth, Jr., retired USN. 🧭⚓️🇺🇲
RIP dad, My hero and leader of many in combat. Thank you so very much for teaching me to navigate. 🔭📐🧭 Proud and honored to be your daughter. ⛵️🙏🫂❤️🤍🕊🥀 Capt.Kel.