The Glory of Freedom
In 1861, the United States of America was torn by Civil War.
Soldiers on both sides fought bravely and wondered how
long it would last.
In Massachusetts, the Governor issued a call for black men
to join the army, and men came by the hundreds to join
the new regiment.
“Attention!” yelled an officer. “Gentlemen,” he said, “My
name is Colonel Robert Shaw. I am your commanding
officer. Thank you for volunteering with the Massachusetts
54th Infantry. No one is quite sure what we will face in
the days ahead. But one thing is certain…we shall fight
together for freedom!”
The men cheered, and Colonel Shaw ordered everyone to
report to their officers, and the men were assigned to their
tents and ordered to settle in.
After three months of training, they received orders to
head south and join the war, but plans changed when they
arrived. For weeks they cut down trees, fixed equipment,
and built roads. Instead of getting upset, the men followed
instructions and made the most of their situation.
Training began the next day. A bugle woke the recruits
at dawn. After breakfast, the recruits marched, ran, and
practiced shooting their rifles. They were not used to army
life, but they quickly adapted to the work and schedule.
Word finally came that the 54th would help attack Fort
Wagner near Charleston, South Carolina. On July 17, 1862,
Colonel Shaw gathered his men together. “We will lead the
attack,” he said.
One evening Colonel Shaw gathered his soldiers.
“Gentlemen,” he said, “I just received news the Confederate
Congress has said that any black man caught in army
uniform will be executed. We will give full discharges in the
morning to any of you who request them.”
Bugles and drums sounded as the Massachusetts 54th
marched toward the fort. Cannon fire exploded around
them as they climbed the walls of Fort Wagner. The men
fought valiantly, but the defenders held their ground.
The soldiers went back to their tents, deep in thought.
Should they get out while they could or continue their
stand for freedom?
The next morning, a bugle sounded the call to gather. The
colonel slowly stepped forward to see who remained. He
hardly believed his eyes! Not one of the soldiers had left!
The entire 54th Infantry stood ready to serve!
During the battle, the Massachusetts 54th Infantry lost
half of its men, including Colonel Shaw. The Union Army
failed to capture the fort, but those who survived the
battle of Fort Wagner continued to fight with bravery and
distinction.
Despite constant change and difficult times, the men of the
54th Massachusetts served their country well and stood
firm—for the glory of freedom.