A group of historians and other concerned citizens recently lobbied the commissioners of Union County (North Carolina) to “recognize the contributions of 10 black Confederate pensioners, known as colored troops during the Civil War.” The group wants to install a small monument to these ten individuals in front of the old courthouse in Monroe. ( Not PC and not appreciated by the author who wrote the article).
Aaron Perry of Charlotte is the great-grandson of one of the pensioners, also named Aaron Perry, a Union County slave who fought with the North Carolina 37th Company D. Although the Confederate States lost, their story should be remembered. “I think it’s a great thing,” said the younger Perry, 72. “It’s been a long time ago, so I’m not going to overlook that. What’s so bad about it? They’re honoring these 10 North Carolina soldiers for being helpful to their country, even if it was under slavery. “They lost that war, but my great grandfather helped rebuild the camp at Fort Fisher,” Perry said. “He played his part, even though he was under slavery and somebody else’s command. When you enlist in the service, you’re taking orders from somebody.”

GOD BLESS AAON PERRY for his sacrifices, as a slave and a patriot.

Just a month ago, I met a man in rural East Texas who lived on family land (near my family land) by their family cemetery. He wanted to show me the grave of his great-grand father who had "fought in the Civil War". As a Texan, I knew his ancestor was a Confederate, but never said so. To ask the question would have insulted the man. He showed me the plain VA marker in that black family cemetery for his ancestor that served in "Hampton's Company" (Texas State Troops) during the War.

GOD BLESS ISOM BIGGERS, former slave, Confederate soldier, neighbor, and patriot.