MENANDS, NY-A New York Army National Guard Color Guard joins Civil War reenactors and members of the Patriot Guard, in honoring Civil War Soldier 1st Sgt. William Francis, a member of the famed 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first Black unit to fight in the Union Army. Local Civil War historians identified Francis' unmarked grave at historic Albany Rural Cemetery and arranged for the Veterans Administration to provide a new stone to mark his final resting place.
Francis, who enlisted as a private, served throughout the Civil War, including the 54th's assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina, made famous in the 1989 movie "Glory".
DMNA Press Releases
NY National Guard In the News
Osceloa News Gazette -- Thu, 11 Sep 2025 Remembering 9-11; Kissimmee N.Y. National Guard member promoted Today marks the 24th anniversary of the terror attacks that took place in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. by extremists. As most people know, on that day several planes were... (more)
Times Tribune -- Sun, 07 Sep 2025 People on the Move: New York Army National Guard Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional... (more)
The Daily News -- Fri, 05 Sep 2025 Two receive National Guard promotions Sep 5, 2025 LATHAM Two area members of the New York Army National Guard have been promoted in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. They include: Ian Hinz... (more)