Committee hears bill to designate Feb. 20 as Black Ohio Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient Day

Senator Reynolds and joint sponsor Senator Craig presented sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 253, which would designate Feb. 20 as Black Ohioan Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient Day.

Senator Reynolds told the Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee that the day would honor Medal of Honor recipients from Ohio who served in the Civil War and would provide opportunities for schools and communities to teach that history. “By formally recognizing February 20 as Black Ohio Civil War Bridal of Honor recipient day, we ensure that the future generations will not forget,” Reynolds said in testimony.

Reynolds cited specific individuals in her remarks and framed the bill as an act of historical correction intended to recognize valor that was often overlooked: “Their sacrifices embodied the highest ideals of service, duty, honor, and country,” she said. The bill’s sponsors said the designation would encourage education, reflection and remembrance across Ohio and would give young Black Ohioans visible connections to state and national military service.

Committee members recorded no questions during the sponsor testimony and the chair concluded the first hearing on Senate Bill 253. No formal committee vote occurred on the measure during this meeting.

Written materials or further testimony were not recorded as presented during this hearing; the bill remains at the committee’s first-hearing stage.