“Today, as we commemorate this historic civil rights reform, we also take a moment to honor the valorous service of members from various communities of color who answered the call and served their nation in the Armed Services. We have come a long way since President Truman’s order, with personnel from the African-American as well as the Asian Pacific Islander and Latino communities, among others, serving in great numbers throughout our military today. I couldn’t be more grateful for their service, or more committed to ensuring our military upholds the bedrock principle of equality our country represents,” Smith said.
Congress marked the occasion today with a ceremony in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. Smith also voted in favor of a resolution on July 14, 2008, recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Executive Order. The resolution passed the House unanimously.