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Renaming the Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic in Bloomington, Illinois, in Honor of Andrew Jackson Smith

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Congressman Darin LaHood, with the support of the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation, has introduced legislation to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Bloomington, Illinois, in honor of Andrew Jackson Smith, a Civil War veteran who received the Medal of Honor. The clinic provides primary care and specialty health services to veterans, and the renaming will serve as a tribute to Smith's dedication and service to the nation. Smith, a former slave, enlisted with the 55th Massachusetts Colored Volunteers and distinguished himself by saving his regimental colors during the Battle of Honey Hill. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2001.

Key Takeaways:

  • Andrew Jackson Smith was the last African American Civil War soldier to receive the Medal of Honor.
  • He was born into slavery but escaped and enlisted with the 41st Illinois Volunteer Regiment and later the 55th Massachusetts Colored Volunteers.
  • Smith distinguished himself during the Battle of Honey Hill by saving his regimental colors after the color bearer was killed.
  • The Illinois Congressional Delegation, led by Congressman Darin LaHood, is introducing legislation to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Bloomington, Illinois, in honor of Andrew Jackson Smith.
  • The clinic provides primary care and specialty health services to veterans.
  • Smith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2001 by President Bill Clinton.
  • The renaming of the clinic will serve as a tribute to Smith's dedication and service to the nation.

Statistics:

  • 137 years passed between the Battle of Honey Hill and the posthumous awarding of the Medal of Honor to Andrew Jackson Smith.
  • 2001: The year President Bill Clinton presented Andrew Jackson Smith's descendants with a posthumous Medal of Honor.
  • The 41st Illinois Volunteer Regiment and 55th Massachusetts Colored Volunteers were the units with which Smith enlisted during the Civil War.

Sources:

  • "Today Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), with the support of the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation, introduced legislation to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Bloomington, Illinois, as the 'Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.'"
  • Rep. LaHood's statement
  • Background on Andrew Jackson Smith's service during the Civil War and his Medal of Honor award
  • Legislation text here:

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