ONLINE NEWSLETTER
Fall Issue 3 11/5/06

Telling the Story

The 225TH Commemoration of the Battle of Yorktown - Another first for the First.

Participants and visitors alke were amazed by the appearance of an African-American regiment, portraying the historic First Rhode Island. Thanks to the dedication and skill of Fred Minus, the regiment was hard to miss - dressed in French uniforms with the distinctive plumbed helmets as depicted in paintings of the original regiment.

Originally composed of free blacks, slaves, and Native Americans, the regiment was formed so that Rhode Island could meet its obligation to provide men-at-arms for the Cause. The First Rhode Island Continentals accompanied Rochambeau's troops from Newport to Yorktown.

Our reenactors formed up with other Rhode Island regiments as part of the New England Brigade. Members were warmly greeted and praised by fellow reenactors. A picture representing black soldiers had been previously hung at the redoubt the historic regiment had attacked. Richard Patterson, Director of the Trenton Old Barracks, commented on the significance of our appearance there.

We all enjoyed the feelings of camaraderie and pride in having the opportunity to represent and recognize the contributions of true freedom fighters. See our website for more infomation about the First Rhode Island, our regiment, and pictures.

Upcoming Events

November 11 1ST RI - Battle of Red Bank, Fort Mifflin, Battlefield Park, NJ
November 18 6TH USCT - Thanksgiving Day Parade, Trenton, NJ -
November 19 USCT's Rememberance Day Commenration, Harrisburg PA

JOIN THE ACTION - Help tell the story!

by Pvt. Leon Brooks

ONLINE NEWSLETTER Fall Issue 2 10/19/2006

Members of the First Rhode Island Regiment (FRI) participate in living history events at Valley Forge. They bring an unexpected perspective to visitors who are generally not aware of the military involvement of African-Americans in the American Revolution.


October 20TH - 22ND the FRI will deploy to Yorktown Virginia for the 225TH Commemeration of the Battle of Yorktown - the last battle of the American Revolution. Re-enactors from the Delware Valley area will form up to represent black soldiers in this historic regiment composed of black and Native American slaves.

A good time was had by all at the Fall Festival parade in Woodbury New Jersey. The 6TH USCT marched this time without musical accompanyment because 3 of our musicians are away at school and one is mending from a broken leg. Our drum major Gyasi Mann, recently graduated from Lincoln University, has enrolled in graduate school at the University of Wisconsin. Two of our cadet musicians AJ and Steve have returned to Valley forge Military Academy. So, the 6TH provided their own accompanyment with song. It was a crowd pleaser.

by Pvt. Leon Brooks

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ONLINE NEWSLETTER Fall Issue 1 9/22/2006

6TH REGIMENT U.S.COLORED TROOPS

Today we commemorate President Lincolns Emancipation Proclaimation. Though it didn't end slavery, it set the stage for the acceptance of black men into the Union Army and Navy in a military capacity, enabling the liberated to become liberators. By the end of the war, over 209,000 black soldiers and sailors had fought for the Union and freedom.

Upcoming Events

9/22/06 - 9/24/06 Battle of Cedar Bridge & Heritage Day - Manahawkin, NJ
9/30//06 - Revolutionary War Encampment - Valley Forge, PA
10/7/06 - Parade - Woodbury, NJ
10/14/06 - Revolutionary War Encampment - Valley Forge, PA

10/20/06 - 10/20/06 225TH Commemoration of the Battle of Yorktown, Colonial National Historical Park, VA
This is the BIG one! The reeactment of the last battle of the American Revolution.

by Pvt. Leon Brooks