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This is a badge that we wore while we were in the battalion.

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Joining something as big as this, was very thrilling because it was a new experience. We did our training in Nova Scotia which was nice because I was already residing there. But the best part was when we got shipped overseas to England and France. It was new found sense of confidence to be able to be apart of something so honorable and especially being with my own people made me feel comfortable.

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Now that we were part of the war and included, we did often did not fight in the front lines with the whites. I was not one of the lucky ones, and I was part of the majority that were required to do all of the hard labour. This would include constructing roads and railways. As well, we provided lumber to support and maintain the trenches.

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In the beginning of the war, we were just as excited as any other man. We wanted the same thing as everyone else: to serve our country and make some good money. But, we were quickly faced with the reality that race was an issue. Often times, we were rejected when we tried to sign up. It was clear to us that all of these posters were not directed towards us.

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Even though for the first years of the war, we were not wanted and rejected, that did not stop us from trying to get involved in the war. Collectively, we were able to pressure the government into forming the No. 2 Construction Battalion. It was the first black military unit in Canadian history.