The Montford Point Marines were the first African Americans to serve in the US Marine Corps, training at a segregated camp from 1942-1949. They fought racism and enemies in the Pacific theater, and their legacy helped integrate the military. The Montford Point Marine Association was founded in 1965 to preserve their history and support veterans.
The Montford Point Marines were the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Black Marines were segregated at Montford Point Camp to train between 1942-1949. The men served in all-black units, mostly in the Pacific theater, and distinguished themselves as they fought racism from within and enemies from without. In 1965, the Montford Point Marine Association, a military service group, was founded as a result of a convention of former Montford Point Marines.
The integration of the U.S. military was a long process that began in 1941 with an executive order from President Roosevelt that was intended to create fair labor practices in the United States military. In 1942, Montford Point Camp was established so that African American Marine recruits could train. 20,000 men trained at the camp, but Montford Point Marines were not allowed into nearby all-white camps without being accompanied by a white Marine. In 1949, President Truman signed another executive order to force the full integration of the United States: in the same year, the first African American woman, Annie Graham, enlisted in the Marines.
The Montford Point Marines are often hailed as important figures in American history because they fought willingly to protect a nation that still did not offer them basic civil rights. Today, African Americans make up approximately 20% of the United States military. The Montford Point Marines have helped integrate the military and encourage respect for African American men and women in the military.
In 1965, a Marine meeting was held in Philadelphia that included former Montford Point Marines along with active duty Marines. Over 400 men showed up from across the country and decided to found the Montford Point Marine Association, one of many non-profit veterans programs that exist across the United States to help people in need and preserve military history. The Association has 29 chapters worldwide and is a member of the Marine Corps Council, which is a council of Marine-related service groups.
The Montford Point Marine Association maintains records relating to Montford Point Marines and also works to build bonds of friendship in the communities where it is active. Furthermore, the Association distributes food, toys and clothes to the needy, especially during the Christmas holidays. A convention is held annually to celebrate the Montford Point Marines, make organizational decisions and distribute scholarships.
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