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Remembering WNY's Black Veterans

Bronze Star recipient Ronal Bassham spent decades in the military during a difficult time for African-Americans.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo is home to a monument which honors African American Veterans: the African-American Veterans Monument on Buffalo's waterfront. It's the very first of its kind in the United States. 

The tall black pillars each represent one of the 12 wars African-Americans fought in, from the Revolutionary War to Afghanistan wars. 

RELATED: Meet the 100-year-old veteran who helped America win World War II

Earlier this year, 2 On Your Side's Scott Levin spoke to one Black veteran from Western New York. In honor of Veteran's Day, we are sharing his story again. 90-year-old Ronal Bassham is considered part of the greatest generation. He visited 12 countries and saw three tours in Vietnam, and was involved in the Korean War as well.

Bassham is a recipient of the Bronze Star, a United States Armed Forces decoration that recognizes members of the military for meritorious or heroic service or achievement.

"That's about being in the wrong place at the wrong time, knowing how to duck and hide," Bassham said. "I was in one of the biggest battles of Vietnam."

The military has a checkered past when it comes to the treatment of our Black warriors. Every soldier has a memory of what it was like for them, and Bassham is no different.

"You have mixed emotions because they lied. First lie, you get your freedom, and you never get it ... neither the 40 acres or the mule," Bassham said.

African-Americans contributed greatly to the many successes on the battlefield, often times not getting any credit or medals because of racial tensions in the homeland. Bassham said many people were never recognized.

"World War II put a ceiling on decorations for African-Americans, we were just written out of history, didn't count anything we did, we didn't get credit for much," Bassham said. "That's what this monument is all about, to give honor we were denied for services we gave here."

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