Holocaust Memorial Center Honors First African-American Marines

The Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills will honor the Montford Point Marines, the first African-American group to enter the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942-1949 during a film and presentation at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 21.

Montford Point Marine soldiers will be present to discuss their experience in breaking thecolor barrier as well as their courageous acts of heroism in all theaters of operation during the World War II.

The group of 20,000 African-Americans trained on the hallowed grounds of Camp Montford Point and earned the "Right to Fight”. They went on to perform many acts of heroism during this period, proving that it is neither race, nor creed, nor national origin that constitutes a Marine.

On June 27, 2012, the United States Congress awarded the Montford Point Marines the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award the U.S government bestows.

There is no charge to attend the program. For more information, visit www.holocaustcenter.org