Frederick Douglass | Photo 02

Frederick Douglas was the keynote speaker at the graduation of the 6th Regiment from training. After dedicating the regimental flag made by Lucius Bowser, he exhorted the troops with the phrase, “those who would be free, must be willing to strike a blow”! The troops cheered in response, “strike a blow for freedom”! This became the regimental motto that they carried into battle along with their flags.