Unity Group honors black troops of the Civil War for MLK Day

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A little-known group of civil war soldiers were honored this afternoon as part of the MLK Day Of Service.

The Unity Group, which organized the week-long MLK observance this year, was joined by the National Park Partners, Mary Walker Historical and Educational Foundation, and the 44th USCT Reenactment Group.

USCT is short for United States Colored Troops.

The group held a wreath laying ceremony at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Eric Atkins of the Unity Group says “to honor the 44th and 42nd United states colored troops who fought for freedom and liberty and equality during the civil war, who are now buried in this cemetery and who are one of the parties who are , was responsible for erecting and constructing this cemetery.”

Tricia K. Mins of National Park Partners adds “a hundred and eighty thousand U.S. Colored troops served in the civil war and nearly 40 thousand lost their lives ..So that’s an incredible act of service and we’re very honored to be here and to recognize that service.”

The men in uniform are members of the 44th Colored Troops Re-enactment Group.