Montford Point Marines of NC Honored

On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC) honored the Montford Point Marines, the first African Americans to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps, during a ceremony in Washington, DC. Approximately 400 Montford Point Marines, including 32 North Carolinians, traveled to Washington to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress, for their historic and dedicated service during World War II.  “In the face of intolerance, the Montford Point Marines served our country with honor and distinction,” said Hagan.  Senator Hagan was the lead Senate sponsor of legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines. Hagan introduced the Congressional Gold Medal bill on September 8, 2012 with  NC Senator Richard Burr (NC), and 3 other senators from Connecticut, Kansas, and NY.