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African-American Civil War veterans honored during Monongahela council meeting

Herald-Standard - 3/16/2018

African-American soldiers from western Pennsylvania who served in the Civil War were remembered by Monongahela's council during their monthly meeting.

African-American soldiers from western Pennsylvania who served in the Civil War were remembered by Monongahela’s council during their monthly meeting.

Terry Necciai, a preservation architect and architectural historian, presented a plaque to the city on behalf of the Monongahela Main Street Program. He spoke about the legacy of Company F, 10th Regiment, Eighth Division, a Monongahela unit that was known as the Invincible Grays during the Civil War.

“Many of these soldiers volunteered to be in the Civil War shortly after their families came out of slavery,” said Necciai. “And we think they may have been the first troop with black officers. These troops were risking a lot to fight in the South. If they were captured, they might never have come back.”

Walter Seal, a local historian, displayed a banner the troop brought back from the United States’ centennial celebration, which was held at Philadelphia in 1876.

“These soldiers proudly served as an honor guard during the centennial celebration,” he said. “They also helped to keep the peace during the violent railroad strikes of 1877.”

Monongahela Mayor Bob Kepics accepted the plaque on behalf of the city.

“These African-American soldiers bravely served our country and represented our city very well,” he said. “It will be an honor to display the plaque in the city municipal building.

Also, during the meeting:

* Council members heard the first reading of an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance. This will allow for some I-1 light industrial development along the riverfront.

* Councilman William Polinoli announced that the city will once again advertise the sale of the former Armory building.

* Chief Brian Tempest warned residents to be on alert for scammers during tax season. “When you get a call like this, you should hang up,” he said. “The IRS will never contact you by phone.”

* Councilwoman Claudia Williams said that the Red Cross will be distributing smoke alarms throughout Monongahela on March 24. Each home is eligible for three smoke alarms but alarms must be installed by the Red Cross.