U.S. Senator, Carl Levin should be commended for presenting a Congressional Medal to the family of Darvis Beene, a western Michigan man who endured white racism as a black Marine during the 1940s.
Carl Levin, a Democrat from Michigan, spoke to about 100 people in Grand Rapids on this past Saturday at an event honoring Darvis Beene, a minister, businessman, and father of 13 who died in 1993 at age 68. Levin also presented a Congressional Gold Medal to Beene's family.
Historical records chronicles that an estimated 20,000 Marines passed through Montford Point at Camp Lejeune, N.C., in 1942-49, an era when the U.S. military segregated service people by race. About 13,000 Montford Point Marines served overseas.
Senator Carl Levin said, "You have to wonder what it is that would bring people to fight for a country that would not fight for them." Levin said. Levin went on to say that people can learn from people like Darvis Beene, as U.S. citizens. by responding to hatred with love and hope for change.
Flora Beene, daughter of Darvis Beene, said she heard stories of her father's experience as a Marine. She told MLive.com that a drill sergeant pounded a rifle on her father's foot at training camp in Montford Point. She says the injury caused a lifelong disability.
"I feel like whatever we ask for and really believe, it will become reality," said Flora Beene. "I love him even more and I miss him dearly."
Senator Carl Levin should be commended for this acknowledgment and an important step to set the record straight.