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Gulfport, MS – Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-MS), invites the public to attend a ceremony to recognize local Montford Point Marines and their families on Wednesday, February 19^th , at 2 PM at the World War II Memorial in Gulfport. 

“These first African American Marines stepped up to serve at a difficult time in our nation’s history,” Palazzo stated. “As a Marine veteran, I consider it an honor to recognize the service and lives of these men.”

Palazzo will recognize Corporal George Terrel Watson and Corporal Samuel Walter Sylvester, Jr., for their service during World War II as part of the elite group of African Americans known as “Montford Point Marines.” Palazzo first honored Montford Point Marines in a similar ceremony October 2012: Master Sergeant Fred Ash, Corporal John Hall, Jr. and Nathan Walker, Jr., and Corporal David Potts, Sr. Following that ceremony, families of Wednesday’s honorees reached out to Palazzo’s congressional office for assistance obtaining official recognition for their loved ones. February is Black History Month.

In 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the military to accept the first African Americans into the military.  African American Marines were first trained at the segregated Camp Montford Point in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  Montford Point was home to more than 19,000 men for basic training, and only about 400 known survivors are alive today.

Biographies for Watson and Sylvester are attached. Congressman Palazzo’s office encourages other potential Montford Point Marines who have not yet been recognized to contact his Gulfport office at (228) 864-7670.