The best way to represent MLK's dream.

Nick Koenig

Article #2

North County Times

"House votes to honor first black marines."

http://www.nctimes.com/ap/washington/article_864777e4-9eb1-5539-a0ea-cceac2ca8894.html

Honoring the First Black Marines

     The first black marines got an unexpected rare national tribute Tuesday while the House of Representatives voted to give a Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines, which is the highest honor given by Congress. The House had a 442-0 vote of this. Back then, Marines went to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina for training. If the conditions there were bad, well, their "companions" were worse. Black Marines weren't aloud to enter the camp without a white officer with them and sometimes they couldn't even eat until the white Marines were done eating. They were also routinely passed over promotions from time to time. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the Marine Corps to recruit blacks. But it still wasn't balanced out. They would be unsuited of combat and weren't able to fight along side of the white Marines. Representative Walter Jones thought that the Congressional Gold medal would give peace and let them forget about yesterday and witness today's glory. 19,000 men trained at the camp between 1942 and 1949, and most of them have died to today. The ones who are alive today felt great gratitude to the ones who presented this special treat, remembering it felt like a life time from World War II. 

     This relates to what we studied in class by including the Legislative Branch. The House of Representatives is part of the Legislative Branch, along with Senate, which we learned in the last chapter about the Constitution. Also the Pledge of Allegiance. In 'Liberty and Justice for all' it states everyone will be treated the same. Why should people be treated different for what they look like? That's not fair. Martin Luther King Jr. was brave enough to state what he thought about segregation at the time.

     It relates to my life by Martin Luther King Jr. MLK had a dream that segregation will end and peace will be served in the nation. At the time, blacks were separated from whites. Had to use a different restroom, water fountain, etc. If MLK hadn't stated his feelings (also freedom of speech Amendment #1) then maybe half of my friends wouldn't be here. Neither would Obama, and some celebrities, such as Nicki Minaj and Kobe Bryant. Also my dad serves in the Marine Corps and knows some good friends that have different races.

     I thought this was a GREAT idea because it shows that we care about our fellow veterans no matter who they are. Because of the segregation, many people were rude to them and they probably had a hard time. Now, giving this award to show them gratitude, they know they are surrounded by people who care about them, even through the hard times of segregation and the World War II battle. The House of Representatives agree with my opinion. When this idea was brought to their attention, there was a 442-0 vote of giving the award.