--- title: "The 54th Massachusetts ‘Glory’ Memorial was rededicated after it was vandalized" date: "2022-07-06" modified: "2022-07-06" authors: - name: "Miguel Ortiz" job_title: "Senior Contributor, Army Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/miguelortiz/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/the-54th-massachusetts-glory-memorial-was-rededicated-after-it-was-vandalized/" categories: - "Army" - "Heroes" - "History" - "War History" --- # The 54th Massachusetts ‘Glory’ Memorial was rededicated after it was vandalized ![]() *\Lt. Gen. Gary Brito, and Brig. Gen. Thomas Stewart with members of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment ceremonial unit (U.S. Army)\* The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was the second African American regiment organized by the Union during the Civil War. As a result of the regiment's heroic attack on Fort Wagner, producing the first African American Medal of Honor recipient, and its depiction in the 1989 film *Glory*, the 54th Massachusetts is one of the most famous units in American military history. Sadly, the monument to the brave soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts was vandalized during the civil unrest of 2020. Two years and a $3 million restoration later, the memorial was rededicated. ![]() **Colonel Shaw and the men of the 54th Massachusetts are honored with a memorial in downtown Boston (NPS)** The memorial was defaced in downtown Boston, across from the State House, on May 31, 2020. Soon after, the restoration process began. The sculpture was removed and transported to a studio in Woburn. In March 2021, the 11x14 foot bronze sculpture was reset on a repaired marble and stone foundation. Originally unveiled in 1897, the memorial underwent restoration for over a century of water damage in addition to the vandalization. On June 1, 2022, the National Park Service and the City of Boston held a rededication ceremony at the 54th Massachusetts Memorial. The ceremony included a re-enactment of the 54th's march past the State House on May 28, 1863, as depicted on the memorial. "This memorial, first dedicated 125 years ago, commemorates and reminds us of the legacy that is in front of us. It’s a powerful reminder of the profound impact of solidarity and what it looks like to lead in the face of injustice," said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu during the ceremony. Also in attendance were the Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, Lt. Gen. Gary Brito, and Brig. Gen. Thomas Stewart of the Massachusetts National Guard. ## Author Miguel Ortiz is a Senior Contributor for We Are The Mighty covering primarily military news and history with an emphasis on weapons technology. He is a former active duty Army officer and remains a member of the Army IRR. After commissioning through San Diego State University Army ROTC, Miguel served with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. He has written for We Are The Mighty since 2020, drawing from his passion for the military community and history. Miguel’s work has also been seen on Business Insider and The Blast. He remains an avid shooter, competing in local USPSA matches. Miguel’s other hobbies are traveling and watch collecting. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()