Virginia monument to honor Black Civil War heroes

Fourteen Black Union soldiers who won the Medal of Honor for a single day's battle action in driving Confederate troops from the Southern capital of Richmond, VA, are in line for an unusual and long overdue remembrance of their heroics.

For more than a century, the bravery of the men has been overlooked, particularly in a state where Confederate descendants still live and respect the role of their Southern warriors.

It has been difficult to muster support for a Black memorial in such an area and historically polarized climate.

Yet almost three years ago, Rep. Robert C. Scott (D-VA) managed to obtain the approval of Congress and former President Bill Clinton to honor the 14 Black men who helped bring the Civil War to a close. It was the high point of bravery amid Black troops, yet so disappointingly ignored.

After handpicking a commission to work with him on the assignment, Rep. Scott recently escorted the group to the undeveloped battle-ground in Henrico County to gain ideas and insight for the proposed monument.

Next will come competition for the monument's design. Construction of the monument along with a visitor's center is expected to begin within two years.

The new monument will be a victory for Rep. Scott and his historian groups. There are only a few such projects in the United States which are dedicated to Black soldiers in the Civil War.

Funding for the memorial will come from a combination of federal, state, local and private donations, the lawmaker said.