The Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 05-11: Upper Manhattan is honored to partner with other Harlem community groups for a WWI Centennial Armistice Observance at PFC Dorrance Brooks Square beginning at 10:45 AM on November 10, 2018.
Coffee and pastries will be served starting at 10:00 AM at the Eagle Academy on Edgecombe Avenue and West 136th Street. The main observance will follow at 10:45 AM and be located across the street at PFC Dorrance Brooks Square. This event has been organized by Dr. Keith Taylor, president of the PFC Dorrance Brooks Property Owners and Residents Association, and former assistant commissioner for the NYC Department of Correction; and Colonel Terrance Holliday, USAF (Ret.), the former commissioner for NYC Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs, now the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services.
The Armistice, cessation of hostilities, for World War I took effect on November 11, 1918 at 11:00 AM. This event will observe that moment in history, acknowledging the national and global suffering and heroism of the men and women who served. Special remembrances of the 369th Infantry Regiment, the “Harlem Hellfighters,” and Eugene Bullard, a WWI Ace, will be held. These men, like those before and after, served their nation with dignity, overcoming racial discrimination at home and throughout their service.
“As they fade into history, Harlem and the world should take a moment to reflect on their sacrifices 100 years ago by honoring their service,” said Colonel Holliday. “We, as a community, must highlight the 369th’s achievements and recognize their cultural contributions to Harlem.”
Participating groups include: the 369th Historical Society; 369th Sustainment Brigade; 369th Veterans’ Association; American Legion Post 422; VFW Post 528; Boy Scouts of America, Big Apple District; PFC Dorrance Brooks Property Owners and Residents Association; Kappa Alpha Psi, New York and Omicron Chapters; and the Federation of French War Veterans.
For more information about the event, please reach out to Colonel Holliday at (516) 538-6538 or Dr. Taylor at (917) 524-9996.
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The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org
