African Americans in the Civil War – Object #6

24th Regt. U.S. Colored Troops. Let Soldiers in War, Be Citizens in Peace

Download Drawing

<p>This is a sepia-toned image. The motto, “Let Soldiers in War, Be Citizens in Peace,” is on a banner on top of a circle. Inside the circle is a drawing of a soldier standing on a hill with arms outstretched toward the sky. Two figures are in the background with their arms outstretched. Weapons and broken military equipment are visible at the bottom of the hill. Beneath the circle with the drawing is the name of the regiment, “24th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops.” </p>

Drawing of the regimental flag and motto of the 24th Infantry Regiment, United States Colored Troops, ca. 1865

Full Transcript

The motto on the flag reads: “Let Soldiers in War, Be Citizens in Peace.”

Questions

What does the motto on the flag of the 24th Regiment convey about the men’s view of military service and citizenship?

What can we infer about the significance of the 24th Regiment’s contributions to the Union Army based on this photograph?

Citations

24th Regt. U.S. Colored Troops. Let Soldiers in War, Be Citizens in Peace. United States, ca. 1865. https://www.loc.gov/item/2010647924/.