Horsford Leads Proposal to Posthumously Honor Enslaved and Discriminated Veterans

WASHINGTON – To honor our nation’s veterans during Veterans Day, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) introduced the Headstones for Honor Act, which would posthumously recognize the contributions of individuals who performed military service while enslaved or who were otherwise legally prohibited from serving due to their race, gender, sex, or ethnicity.

“From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and beyond, there have been Americans who served our country despite the shackles of slavery or the barriers of discrimination,” said Congressman Horsford. “They fought for freedoms they could not personally enjoy, and it is an injustice that their service has gone unrecognized for so long. This bill is a step toward righting historical wrongs and honoring all who served our country.”

The bill would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide free headstones or markers for the final resting places of these overlooked individuals to memorialize their invaluable service, an honor extended to countless other veterans throughout American history.

Former Congressman Anthony Brown originally introduced the Headstones for Honor Act. Congressman Horsford is carrying on this legislative effort to ensure that the legacy of these individuals is honored as they deserve.