The Flag. The Fight. The Future.

That's the theme for African American veterans speaking in Warren on Monday & Tuesday to discuss their experience in the military. From discrimination and segregation, veterans of all ages spoke on their time in the Armed Forces.

"There is a demographic whose stories need to be heard," said Garrick Matlock, Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Warren Heritage Center. "Our panelists are from various branches of the military from various years. We want their stories to be continued."

"It's hard for people who did not serve or in that time to understand the distress that we were under," explained Herbert Caldwell. "Trying to serve our country and coming back and being disrespected."

Some panelists were on active duty in the 50s and 60s, a time of anti-war and the civil rights movement.

George Bossard said, "I came from a Christian home and I grew up knowing that God made everybody," he said to the crowd. "When I was in the military and my crew saw my rank was higher than theirs, they did not like that. When I saw it, the Lord told me to not start anything."

"They had the white non-commissioned officers who were over us and they treated us like they were the overseers, like we were slaves," explained Roy Yancey. "And they talked to us in that derogatory manner."

Others share their experiences of being stationed in southern states, and not having the same freedoms as their white peers.

"They did not receive the welcome that they should have while wearing the uniform," Matlock added. "But they continue to love the country. They continue to fight for African American dignity and they continue to have hope in pushing forward to the future."

Laura Miller's family was hesitant to allow her to join the Air Force knowing the reputation of how minorities were treated.

But in the modern day, the concerns still linger. Panelists encourage today's youth to consider the military as an option. They offered advice including maintaining your faith, utilizing the military's benefits, and not being afraid of enlisting.

"Take advantage of what the military has to offer," said Eugene Dawson the oldest panelist, at 95 years old. "It has a lot to offer. So, position yourself to take advantage of it."

"There is so much you can do in the military," Yancey added. "Do something you can continue doing after you get out of the military."

"Find out who you are while in the military," Herbert Caldwell. "What you take in is what you are going to bring out."

The event continues Tuesday at 6 p.m. with a new panel at the Trumbull County Veteran Services Office in Warren, located at 253 E Market St, Warren, OH 44481.