Brown Honored for Service During WWII

Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Sr. Rev. Matthew Southall Brown Sr. of Savannah, Georgia received an award for his service to the nation during World War II from the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum on November 10.

The recognition was a culmination of the evening's debut presentation of the new documentary, Chocolate Soldiers from the U.S.A. The Smithsonian's Theatre was filled to its capacity with viewers.

The film sheds light on the first group of black soldiers selected for combat in the European theatre during World War II. Brown is featured throughout the film, providing a historical perspective to the combat experiences of the African American troops as well as their interactions with local citizens in Europe.

The program was hosted by the renowned author, Willie Jolley, who has been recognized as one of the world's five most inspirational speakers.

Also in attendance was Dr. Lonnie Bunch III, director of the African American Museum, to be constructed on the national mall in Washington, D.C.

With Rev. Brown was his son, Leonard A. Brown, daughter Christa B. Stephens, and Julius Hall, a native of Savannah who resides in the Washington, D.C. area.

Rev. Brown returned to Washington on Wednesday, November 18th, at the invitation of Congress to serve as Chaplin for the Day in the U.S. House of Representatives.

He will provide the session's opening prayer.