Five new projects will commemorate the only all-Black battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history.
Federal officials announced $124,000 during a remembrance ceremony for the No. 2 Construction Battalion on Saturday.
The funding will support projects such as a new memorial, exhibits, community events, and research projects.
Created on July 5, 1916, during the First World War, No. 2 Construction Battalion was a segregated non-combatant unit that showed resilience in the face of racism and adversity.
It was officially disbanded on Sept. 15, 1920, without ceremony or recognition for their service or sacrifices on behalf of Canada.
“Members of No. 2 Construction Battalion, their families and their descendants deserve recognition and acknowledgement for the sacrifices they made to serve Canada,” National Defence Minister Bill Blair said in a news release.
“Despite their commitment to fighting for Canada, they unfairly faced discrimination, but they showed immense resilience and continued to serve their country.”
The prime minister and the national defence minister delivered a historic apology to the battalion’s descendants in 2022.
Last fall, Ottawa announced it would spend $2.25 million over five years for commemorative activities, educational materials, and community war memorials that honour the No. 2 Construction Battalion.
Another call for applications will open later this fall.
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