EVENT

Honoring Illinois Black Soldiers Saturday Feb 21 Illinois State Military Museum 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd 217-761-3910 1-4pm Free

Honoring soldiers

When black soldiers were encouraged to sit on the sidelines during the Civil War and two world wars, they insisted on fighting for their country. The Illinois State Military Museum is honoring the black soldiers who served during the Civil War, World War I and World War II with a display and presentations. Members of the Living History Detachment will display uniforms, equipment and weapons that black soldiers used during the wars. The members of the detachment will also discuss the unique experiences of the black soldiers before the military was integrated in 1948. Included in the event are presentations about a black soldier serving in the 29 th United States Colored Troops, the 370 th regiment and a black Illinois soldier serving in Europe in World War II.