“Harriet Tubman Honored
CHURCH CREEK, Md. — Harriet Tubman, the famed abolitionist, humanitarian, and Civil War hero, was posthumously honored with the rank of brigadier general during a special Veterans Day ceremony at the Harriet.
Harriet Tubman was officially made a one-star brigadier general in Maryland’s National Guard, an honor that reflects her invaluable service to the Union Army during the Civil War.
A Legacy of Courage and Leadership
The ceremony, attended by state officials, community leaders, and Tubman’s descendants, was a reminder of the powerful impact Tubman had not only in the fight for freedom but also in her courageous role during the Civil War. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who participated in the ceremony, emphasized the importance of this day not only for Tubman’s home state but for the entire nation.
“Today, we celebrate a soldier and a person who earned the title of veteran,” Governor Moore remarked. “Today we celebrate one of the greatest authors of the American story.” Harriet Tubman journey from slavery to freedom and her tireless efforts to help others escape bondage have cemented her status as a symbol of resistance, resilience, and hope.
Born Araminta Ross in 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, Tubman escaped slavery in 1849 and moved to Philadelphia, where she became a key figure in the abolitionist movement. However, Tubman’s work was not limited to rescuing others from slavery. She became a spy, scout, and nurse for the Union Army, using her knowledge of the land and her experiences as an enslaved person to help the Union cause during the Civil War.
Tubman’s most famous mission was leading a raid in South Carolina, where she guided a group of 150 Black soldiers aboard a Union gunboat, helping free enslaved individuals and disrupt Confederate operations. Tubman’s bravery and leadership during this operation earned her high regard among Union officers, and now, over 150 years later, her service has been officially recognized with the rank of brigadier general.
Celebrating Tubman’s Sacrifice and Leadership
Governor Moore’s remarks highlighted how Tubman’s actions exemplified leadership, courage, and selflessness. “Nobody would have judged Tubman if she chose to remain in Philadelphia and continue her abolitionist efforts from there,” Moore said. “But she understood that true leadership means putting oneself at risk for the greater good, and that is exactly what she did. She went into the lion’s den to free others.”
The posthumous promotion to brigadier general was not only a tribute to Tubman’s wartime contributions but also a recognition of her legacy as a leader who fought not only for her freedom but for the freedom of others. The official order, read aloud during the ceremony, was followed by a symbolic pinning of a general’s insignia by Tubman’s great-great-great-grandniece, Tina Wyatt.
Wyatt, who has long been a steward of Tubman’s legacy, spoke poignantly about her ancestor’s selflessness and commitment to justice. “Aunt Harriet was one of those veterans, informally,” Wyatt said. “She gave up any rights that she had obtained for herself to be able to fight for others. She was a selfless person, and that is what makes her a true hero.” Wyatt’s words underscored the profound impact that Tubman’s legacy continues to have on generations of Americans.
Tubman’s Continued Legacy
The recognition of Tubman as a brigadier general further elevates her status as an icon in American history. Over the past few years, the efforts to honor Tubman have gained momentum, including public monuments and educational initiatives aimed at preserving her story. In 2023, the city of Philadelphia commissioned a Black artist to create a towering 14-foot bronze statue of Harriet Tubman, which will be displayed next year as part of a broader effort to honor her achievements.
Additionally, in 2022, a Chicago elementary school was renamed in Tubman’s honor, reflecting a growing movement to acknowledge the contributions of historical figures who have been overlooked or misrepresented. While Tubman’s influence continues to grow, some of her most ambitious honors have yet to come to fruition. Efforts to place her image on the $20 bill, a plan championed during the Obama administration, have faced numerous setbacks and delays, leaving many to wonder when this long-overdue tribute will finally come to pass.
Despite these delays, the recognition of Tubman as a general in the Maryland National Guard serves as a reminder of the deep respect and admiration for her service and leadership. The posthumous award also highlights how Tubman’s legacy transcends time, as her actions continue to inspire and inform the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
A Historical First for Women in the Military
Harriet Tubman’s appointment as a brigadier general is significant not only for her personal legacy but also for the broader history of women in the U.S. military. As the first woman to oversee a military operation in wartime, Tubman’s leadership serves as an early example of the critical role women have played in the defense and shaping of the nation. Her promotion symbolizes a long-overdue recognition of women’s contributions to the military, especially women of color who have often been overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Tubman’s rank of brigadier general serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom and justice has never been the work of one gender, race, or generation. Harriet Tubman’s courage, dedication, and visionary leadership helped pave the way for future generations, and her posthumous honor reflects the nation’s growing understanding of the value of these contributions.
The Ongoing Relevance of Tubman’s Legacy
Harriet Tubman’s story continues to resonate with people around the world, as her life embodies the values of courage, resilience, and selflessness. Her actions as an abolitionist, military leader, and humanitarian have inspired countless individuals in their own struggles for freedom and justice. Her posthumous recognition as a general not only celebrates her military service but also highlights the broader fight for racial and gender equality that continues today.
As the United States honors its veterans, the elevation of Harriet Tubman to the rank of brigadier general offers a powerful reminder that the contributions of African Americans, women, and other marginalized groups have been integral to the country’s history and its growth. The recognition of Tubman’s service helps ensure that future generations understand the full scope of her legacy, as well as the sacrifices made by those who have fought for the nation’s ideals.
Honoring Women in the Military
The appointment of Harriet Tubman as a brigadier general is particularly meaningful in the context of the history of women in the U.S. military. Tubman’s role in the Union Army as a scout, spy, and leader in military action was groundbreaking at a time when women were largely excluded from formal military roles. Tubman’s leadership and courage serve as an important reminder of the critical roles women have played in shaping the nation’s history, both in times of war and peace.
The posthumous recognition of Tubman also serves to highlight the importance of acknowledging the contributions of women and people of color in the military. Throughout American history, countless individuals have served with distinction but have been overlooked by traditional historical narratives. Tubman’s promotion to brigadier general is a symbolic gesture of recognition for all the women and people of color who have fought for freedom, justice, and equality.
The Rising Recognition of Tubman’s Legacy
The posthumous promotion to brigadier general comes at a time when Harriet Tubman’s legacy is being reexamined and elevated in numerous ways. Over the past few years, there has been a renewed effort to honor Tubman’s contributions to American society, particularly in ways that highlight her military service and leadership. This renewed recognition includes efforts to place her image on the $20 bill, a plan that has been stalled for several years, and the creation of public monuments in her honor.
In 2023, the city of Philadelphia commissioned a 14-foot bronze statue of Harriet Tubman, which will be unveiled next year. The statue, created by a Black artist, will serve as a permanent reminder of Tubman’s role in shaping the nation’s history. Additionally, in 2022, a Chicago elementary school was renamed after Tubman, replacing the previous namesake who held racist views. This renaming was part of a broader movement to reconsider the legacy of historical figures whose actions were not aligned with values of racial equality and justice.
Despite these strides in honoring Tubman, the effort to place her on the $20 bill, an initiative originally announced during the Obama administration, has faced significant delays due to political pushback. Nevertheless, Tubman’s status as a trailblazer in both the abolitionist movement and the U.S. military continues to be a source of inspiration for future generations.
The Veterans Day Ceremony: A Moment of Reflection
The posthumous awarding of the rank of brigadier general to Harriet Tubman was a moving and historic moment, not only for Maryland but for the entire country. The ceremony, attended by numerous officials, historians, and Tubman’s descendants, took place at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, a site dedicated to preserving Tubman’s legacy. The park, located in Dorchester County, stands as a testament to her courage and commitment to justice.
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, the first Black governor of the state, presided over the ceremony. In his remarks, he described the occasion as one of profound significance. “Today, we celebrate a soldier, a leader, and a person who earned the title of veteran,” Governor Moore stated. “Today, we celebrate one of the greatest authors of the American story.” Moore’s words underscored the profound impact Tubman had, not just in Maryland, but across the entire nation. Her story represents the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering pursuit of justice, and this recognition served as a reminder of her enduring influence on American history.
The official reading of the order granting Tubman the rank of brigadier general was followed by a symbolic pinning ceremony, where Tubman’s great-great-great-grandniece, Tina Wyatt, placed a general’s insignia on a portrait of Tubman. Wyatt, who has long been a vocal advocate for preserving and sharing her ancestor’s legacy, spoke movingly about the selflessness that defined Tubman’s character. “Aunt Harriet was one of those veterans, informally,” Wyatt said. “She gave up any rights that she had obtained for herself to fight for others. She was a selfless person, and her actions have always reflected that.”
Conclusion
As the United States continues to honor its military veterans each year, the recognition of Harriet Tubman as a brigadier general represents a powerful moment of reflection on the contributions of all service members, especially those whose contributions have been overlooked by history. Tubman’s bravery and leadership not only shaped the outcome of the Civil War but also helped shape the course of American history.
The Veterans Day ceremony in Church Creek, Maryland, serves as a reminder of the debt of gratitude owed to Harriet Tubman — a woman who not only fought for her freedom but for the freedom of countless others. Today, as we honor her service and sacrifice, we reaffirm our commitment to understanding the full breadth of history, and to recognizing the heroes who helped make the United States the nation it is today.