Sangamon Sun

The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg will host a free screening of the 1989 film "Glory" on February 15 at 7 p.m. The film, starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman, tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment during the Civil War. This regiment included twelve African Americans from Galesburg who enlisted to fight for freedom.

The involvement of these twelve men extends beyond their portrayal in the movie. Following President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, there was a call to form a regiment of Black troops for the Union Army. The 54th Massachusetts was quickly formed, and soldiers from across the nation joined eagerly. In April 1863, these twelve men from Galesburg enlisted in Company H of the regiment. A total of thirty-five men from Illinois became part of this unit. After training, they went into combat in South Carolina.

During the second battle of Fort Wagner that summer, two Galesburg soldiers were wounded and captured but were exchanged in 1865. Four other soldiers from Galesburg were also wounded during the war, and Private Preston Williams died in an accident. The survivors continued their service until they were discharged at the end of their enlistment.

These soldiers inspired over 180,000 Black troops to join the Union cause and demonstrated that Black troops could fight as effectively as any others. Their efforts contributed significantly to victory, preserving the Union and ultimately ending slavery throughout America.

The film screening is funded by a grant from United Way of Knox County as part of an initiative to create a permanent monument honoring these local soldiers.