monument honors black civil war soldiers - metal plaque engraving

WASHINGTON (CNN)--
On Saturday, thousands attended the unveiling of the nation's first memorial, dedicated to black soldiers and sailors fighting for the Federal cause in the civil war. The 11-foot, $2.
6 million statues to commemorate more than 208,000 Africans
Americans fighting for the Northern states and white officers commanding their troops.
It is one of the few monuments in the United States that Mark black military achievements.
The statue, called "Spirit of Freedom", shows several black characters equipped for land and sea fighting. "The African-
American soldiers who served in the federal army fought not only to defend the federation, but also for their own freedom from slavery. Gen.
Keynote speaker Joe Ballard said.
"Maybe these soldiers know more about the value of freedom than others.
According to Ballard, 10% of the Union's fighters are black.
Three of them died in service.
But, despite their contributions, veterans are still fighting for recognition once the confederations surrender.
Black veterans are not allowed to march in a Union victory parade in Washington.
In the 1880 s, Congress rejected efforts by black veteran George Washington Williams to build a monument near Howard University.
Generations of hundreds of soldiers took part in the ceremony in the heat.
Howard University historian Russell Adams says the memorial will raise awareness of the role of black soldiers fighting.
"Statues of the Confederacy are everywhere in the southern United States;
"So is the North," he said . "
"But in the form of the statue, the presence of black is invisible.
"The monument is located in Northwest Washington, Vermont Avenue and U Street, mainly in the black Shaw neighborhood.
This block is named after Col.
Robert Shaw directed 54 Massachusetts in the war. African-
The ceremony was attended by reenactors of the American Civil War.
A spokesman said he had waited a long time for the ceremony that made him "proud.
Historians say Union soldiers in the South have been angered by the declaration of liberation that ended slavery, and they are unlikely to capture the Black Army alive, killing many injured or trying to surrender.
Black soldiers also face rampant discrimination in the trade union.
The memorial also suffered multiple delays and budget shortages.
As a final blow, the memorial on Saturday did not include a full memorial.
The etching of the names of 208,943 black soldiers and sailors and their white commanders ---
Part of the design of architect Ed Hamilton-
It is not expected to be completed before the Veterans Day.
The names will be engraved on a metal plaque mounted on a black polished granite wall.
In addition to the statues, the Memorial Hall also includes nearby museums that showcase slave trade, abolition and--
The most striking thing is-
Achievements of black people in civil war
In the gallery, computer databases allow guests to track the military background of their offspring.
"For Africa, there is now a clear record --
American history . "
Fritherlier in Pontiac, Michigan recently discovered her greatness
Grandfather joined the civil war.
"Now, we need to include this in the history of the United States.
The reporter Louise siziani and The Associated Press contributed to the report.
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