Students Salute Sgt. William H. Carney

History came home Thursday during a program at the William H. Carney Memorial Acadamy in New Bedford.

Congressman William Keating and the Spirit of Liberty Foundation sponsored a program where students were told about the famed 54th Infantry Regiment, Sgt. William Carney of New Bedford, and his bravery during the Civil War.

Carney was the first African-American to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Carney's great-great-great-grandnephew, Carl Cruz of New Bedford was among the speakers...

The program featured two presentations by students, and remarks by Mayor Jon Mitchell and Congressman William Keating.

Cruz also brought with him, the original Medal of Honor awarded William Carney. The medal was mounted in a small case and students had the chance to check out a piece of history.