Headstones for Enslaved and Excluded Individuals: Recognizing Military Service
This act expands eligibility for headstones and medallions from the Department of Veterans Affairs to include graves of enslaved individuals and those who performed military functions despite being legally barred from service. It aims to honor their contributions and ensure dignified remembrance, potentially bringing a sense of justice to their descendants.
Key points
Extends eligibility for headstones and medallions to graves of enslaved individuals who accompanied service members or served in lieu of others.
Includes individuals who performed military functions despite being prohibited from service due to race, gender, sex, or ethnicity.
Headstones for enslaved individuals who served in the Confederacy will note they were forced to support their own enslavement.
Requests for headstones can be made by direct descendants or individuals with their consent.
The Department of Veterans Affairs will develop regulations in consultation with historians, civil rights organizations, and descendants.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_6269
Sponsor: Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4]
Process start date: 2023-11-07