Black Veterans have served and fought bravely throughout our nation's history. We honor the service of these brave Americans during Black History Month weaving together their stories with the transformative power of the arts. | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

In honor of Black History Month, the latest episode of VBA History in Focus: 100 Objects pays tribute to the more than 200,000 African Americans who served in the Union military during the Civil War. Black soldiers and sailors saw action in 39 major engagements and earned 26 Medals of Honor. After the war, they often struggled to obtain benefits from the federal government for their service. Despite the obstacles they encountered, thousands of Black Veterans successfully pursued their claims and