Darvis Beene, WWII Black Veteran, Receives Congressional Medal

By  Janice S. Ellis

Darvis Beene, WWII black veteran, receives Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously. U.S. Senator, Carl Levin should be commended for presenting a Congressional Medal to the family of Darvis Beene, a western Michigan man who endured white racism as a black Marine during the 1940s.

Carl Levin, a Democrat from Michigan, spoke to about 100 people in Grand Rapids  at an event honoring Darvis Beene, a minister, businessman, and father of 13 who died in 1993 at age 68.  Levin presented the Congressional Gold Medal to Beene's family.

Historical records chronicles that an estimated 20,000 Marines passed through Montford Point at Camp Lejeune, N.C., in 1942-49, an era when the U.S. military segregated service people by race. About 13,000 Montford Point Marines served overseas.

Darvis Beene, WWII Black Veteran, receives Congressional Medal, presented by Michigan U.S. Senator Carl Levin. Photo Credit: wzzzm13.com

Senator Carl Levin said, "You have to wonder what it is that would bring people to fight for a country that would not fight for them." Levin said.  Levin went on to say that people can learn from people like Darvis Beene, as U.S. citizens. by responding to hatred with love and hope for change.

Flora Beene, daughter of Darvis Beene, said she heard stories of her father's experience as a Marine. She told MLive.com (http://bit.ly/YpP95b ) that a drill sergeant pounded a rifle on her father's foot at training camp in Montford Point. She says the injury caused a lifelong disability.

"I feel like whatever we ask for and really believe, it will become reality," said Flora Beene. "I love him even more and I miss him dearly."

Senator Carl Levin should be commended for  this acknowledgment and an important step to set the record straight.

Feature Photo Credit: grtimes.com

Reprinted with Permission of http://www.usaonrace.com