On the First Day of Black History Month 2024, The African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation is pleased to announce that the Memorial Wall of Honor which lists the names of 209,145 Black soldiers and their white officers has today been recognized as “Most Names on a War Memorial”. The Guinness recognition may be located by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.
Frank Smith, Founding Director of the African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation sought Congressional Authority and partnered with the District of Columbia Government and the public to raise the money to build the Memorial Wall of Honor said “We have worked hard since 1998 to research the names and place the on stainless steel plaques for all to see and the Guinness recognition makes the recognition worldwide.” Smith also added “At a time when America is debating the great values democracy, it is good to have international recognition for the USCT, many of whom gave what President Lincoln would call “Their Full Measure” in defense of Freedom and Union in the American Civil War.
Ward One DC Councilmember Brianne Nadeau in whose ward the monument is located had this to say. “The prestigious Guinness recognition is truly great for our own institution that so comprehensively recognizes the Black Union soldiers and their white allies of the Civil War. Now the entire world may fully understand its importance”.
The African American Civil War Memorial Wall of Honor is located at Vermont Avenue and U Streets in Washington, it sits on federal land and is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. The memorial is accompanied by a museum that sits across the street and is currently closed for a $8 mm renovation scheduled to be completed in the Fall of this year.
