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
Legacy.com, July 26, 2024: -- Fri, 26 Jul 2024 Thomas Maguire Obituary Major General (retired) Thomas P. Maguire, Jr, 77, the former Adjutant General of New York, passed away on July 20, 2024, at his home in Sun City Center, FL where he lived happily with his... (more)
WNYT -- Tue, 23 Jul 2024 New leader takes helm at National Guard headquarters in Troy (video) New York Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Katie Schin has taken command of the 42nd Infantry Divisions Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion. A ceremony took place at the divisions... (more)
Times Union -- Mon, 22 Jul 2024 Duty Calls: Two honored for 35 years of exemplary duty COLONIE - Two members of the New York state military forces have been honored for 35 years of military service upon retirement. New York Army National Guard Col. Steve Rowe of Clifton Park... (more)