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Download full resolution image Guard Honors African-American Civil War Soldier

Guard Honors African-American Civil War Soldier

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".

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NY National Guard In the News

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Staten Island Live -- Tue, 01 Sep 2026 Gov. Hochul, Mayor Mamdani call on President Trump to release $87M in counterterrorism funding STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called on President Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to release $87... (more)

Cheektowaga Bee News -- Sun, 30 Aug 2026 Gerard awarded Josephthal Award for 2026 An East Amherst resident has been named the top performer in the 2,700-member New York Naval Militia. Chief Electricians Mate John Gerard, who has served in the states naval force since 2018,... (more)

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Dated: Fri, Apr 23, 2010 @ 14:10