Fri, OCT 9: Saint Elizabeths Event To Honor Black Seminole Indian Scouts

Saint Elizabeths is in the CONGRESS HEIGHTS neighborhood of Ward 8.

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You are invited to an exciting event to honor veterans buried on the grounds of Saint Elizabeth Hospital and to single out the contributions of Black Seminole Indian Scouts. The DC Department of Mental Health in collaboration with the Ninth and Tenth (Horse) Calvary Association (Buffalo Soldiers) and the US Army Freedom Team will host this historic event on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel on the grounds of Saint Elizabeth Hospital.

Saint Elizabeth served as a premier military mental health facility during four major conflicts from the Civil War through the end of World War II and introduced military psychiatry as a distinct specialty in this country. More than 1,800 veterans of numerous conflicts including the War of 1812, Civil War, the “War with Mexico”, Indian Wars, Spanish American War and Word War I are buried in the nine-acre East Campus cemetery, including William Shields, a Black Seminole Indian Scout. The Black Seminole Indian Scouts served our country by scouting for the Army during the Indian Wars from 1870-1914, facilitating the ending of the wars and continuing service during WWI and WWII.

Though four scouts received the Medal of Honor, the heroic contributions of the Black Seminole Indian Scouts are not widely known or recognized. In observance of Native American Heritage month, we invite the community to learn about this important aspect of the rich history of Saint Elizabeth and to witness the unveiling of a new headstone for William Shields and the awarding of an Army Commendation to Mr. William Warrior, who is Chief of the Black Seminole Indians.

I hope that you will join us as we honor veterans, particularly the Black Seminole Indians, for their service to our country. If you need additional information, please contact John Graham, Department of Mental Health Community Outreach Officer at 202-673-7615 or john.graham@dc.gov .

p.s. Please note that the main entrance to Saint Elizabeths Hospital (automobile and pedestrian) is now Gate #5 at 1100 Alabama Avenue SE. Persons arriving via Metro may continue to use the pedestrian gate at the Congress Heights Station. There is no access from Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE.

For more Congress Heights and River East news visit The Congress Heights Examiner website, http://www.examiner.com/x-13507-Congress-Heights-Community-Examiner

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