HR0782 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0782 LRB103 40679 MST 73439 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The 29th United States Colored Infantry Regiment, formed on April 24, 1864, played a crucial role in the fight for the Union during the American Civil War; and

WHEREAS, Comprised of 2,072 brave African American men from Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin, the 29th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment stood as the largest Black Civil War regiment; and

WHEREAS, The 29th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment demonstrated valor and dedication in significant battles, including the Siege of Petersburg, the Battles of the Crater, Globe Tavern, Poplar Grove Church, and Boydton Plank Road, and the Appomattox Campaign; and

WHEREAS, The 29th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment played a pivotal role in the Juneteenth proclamation, which marked the liberation of slaves in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, a day now celebrated as Juneteenth; and

WHEREAS, The volunteerism and sacrifice of African American soldiers such as Pvt. William H. Costley, who was the first enslaved male freed with the assistance of Abraham Lincoln, and others who joined the Union Army, exemplify the courage and determination in the fight to end slavery; and

WHEREAS, In April 1864, 12 African American men, some formerly enslaved individuals, demonstrated their commitment to freedom and justice by volunteering for the Union Army at the Tazewell County Courthouse; the names and ranks of these brave men are Sgt. Marshall Ashby, Cpl. William Henry Ashby, Pvt. William Henry Costley, Pvt. George H. Hall, Pvt. Wilson Price, Pvt. Thomas M. Tumbleson, Pvt. Nathan Ashby, Pvt. William J. Ashby, Pvt. Morgan Day, Pvt. Edward J. Lewis, Pvt. Thomas G. L. Shipman, and Pvt. George W. Ure; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois State Historical Society, Tazewell County Board, and Tazewell County Clerk have sponsored efforts to honor and remember the legacy of the 29th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, and it is important to educate future generations about the bravery and resilience of these men and their legacy in the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice for all; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor the memory and sacrifice of the 29th United States Colored Infantry Regiment and all African American soldiers who fought bravely for freedom during the Civil War; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commemorate their contribution to the advancement of civil rights and celebrate their role in shaping American history.