Because so much American History has been omitted from the publications that people read, and indeed from which they learned and are learning, we decided to write We Were There. Black history is American history, as is the history of every ethnic group who has graced these shores and contributed to the tapestry of America's culture. Page after page in this book documents the stories of African Americans who fought and died in every war for this land; yet, they continued to face racism that is, sadly, also a part of the American culture. The stories in this book recount how African Americans fought bravely when they were confronted with the necessity to do so. This book includes stories of black military heroes who received awards and recognition for their valor long after they were able to appreciate them. Most of all, the stories in this book trace the African Americans' desire to fight for a land that they loved, despite that land's unwillingness to often love them back.