On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9980, ordering the desegregation of the Federal Workforce. On this same date, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981 stating that “there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed forces without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.” Executive Order 9981 established the President’s Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services to recommend revisions to military regulations to implement this policy and published the founding ideals of a fully inclusive force in the “Freedom to Serve” report on May 22, 1950

We are all volunteers from different backgrounds and organizations that have come together as a collective to recognize the importance of President Truman’s desegregation Executive Orders. Partners include historians, military members, civilians, community members, not-for-profits, the private sector, religious institutions and more. We welcome new partners that desire to educate, celebrate, and unite as we recognize the 75th anniversaries of Executive Orders 9980 and 9981.”