On Dec. 4 a new monument to the United States Colored Troops (USCT) was dedicated at Chattanooga National Cemetery. The 44th U.S.C.T. was recruited in the Chattanooga area during the Civil War, and USCT were instrumental in the creation of the National Cemetery there and in the burial of Union soldiers. The Unity Group of Chattanooga, City of Chattanooga NEIGHBOROOTS Program, National Park Partners, Mary Walker Historical and Educational Foundation and the 44th USCT Reenactors Troop Regiment hosted the ceremony.
The sponsors described the purpose of the monument project:
As part of the 2019 Chattanooga MLK Day of Service, the Unity Group and Coalition Partners, which included the National Park Partners, Mary Walker Historical Educational Foundation, and the 44th USCT Reenactment group, held a wreath laying ceremony at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. This was conducted in part to pay respectful tribute to the service and memory of the United States Colored Troops, and call for erecting a fitting monument which adequately conveyed their varied contributions in helping to preserve the Union. In 2020, the Unity Group and City of Chattanooga began to collaborate on this project as part of the NEIGHBOROOTS Program, which is an initiative to help Chattanoogans recognize their neighborhood history through public art, performances, and historical markers. Likewise, Keith Monuments has played a pivotal role as part of the monument design team and as a project consultant.
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