This is a picture of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, taken during a photo excursion downtown this weekend. The Vietnam War was the first large scale major conflict to field fully integrated combat units. Desegregation of the military was another one of the civil rights struggles our nation faced after the second world war. In the past, minorities served in entirely segregated units and were treated like second class citizens, complete with substandard equipment and training. President Truman issued Executive Order 9981, desegregating the military services on July 26, 1948. The Executive Order was challenged by congressman from the south (big surprise), and it wasn't until 1953 when the final segregated army unit was disbanded. Can you believe a mere 50 years ago, we still believed that minorities were less capable and deserving?
