CAMBRIDGE, MD - Harriet Tubman has been posthumously commissioned to the rank of Brigadier General on Veterans Day in honor of her military service to both the country and the state of Maryland.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined Maryland National Guard Major General Janeen L. Birckhead along with Maryland lawmakers for the commissioning and recognition ceremony on November 11th at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center.
“Harriet Tubman lived the values and virtues that I was taught when I served in the United States Army, and many of the people here today learned too: Live mission first, people always. Lead with honor, integrity, duty, and courage. Leave no one behind,” Governor Moore said. “And with each act of courage, Harriet Tubman helped bring us together as a nation and a people. She fought for a kind of unity that can only be earned through danger, risk, and sacrifice. And it is a unity we still benefit from to this day.”
In addition to her efforts liberating Black families from slavery in the Underground Railroad, Tubman aided Union forces during the Civil War acting as a spy, scout, nurse, and cook. In March of 1863, Tubman led a scouting party of nine, whose intel led to the Combahee Raid and eventual capture of Jacksonville, FL by Union troops.
Just months later in June of 1863, Tubman became the first woman to lead a major US military operation in guiding 300 Union soldiers through mine-filled waters of the Combahee River. The forces she led battled with Confederate forces and raided plantations, freeing more than 700 slaves in the process.
"She commanded soldiers on raids, found targets, reported troop movements, she returned from raids and scouting with mission accomplished," said Birckhead. "With groups of newly freed Americans, Harriet Tubman's leadership advances Union Army aims while extending the promise and reality of freedom to hundreds of people."
The Governor’s office says Tubman’s great-great-great-grandniece Ernestine “Tina” Martin Wyatt was also in attendance today to receive the commissioning proclamation on behalf of Tubman.
Wyatt said seeing her great-great-great-grandmother recognized for her military service brought her a lot of pride.
"She received something that was so well deserved, not many people know about her service in the Civil War and what she actually did and what she gave up and how she put herself in jeopardy," said Wyatt.
“Harriet Tubman’s military service was defined by her bravery, wit, and dedication to doing what is right and it truly stands as an example for all veterans to emulate,” said Maryland Adjutant General Janeen L. Birckhead. “I am so proud that her legacy will officially be tied to the Maryland National Guard, as she was born here, lived here, and served here just like our soldiers and airmen.”
