There was a space left blank on the Henry Johnson Monument, hoping that he would receive the Medal of Honor one day, but now it can be filled. On Tuesday, President Obama is going to posthumously award the African American World War I hero with the highest military honor.

On Sunday, Senator Chuck Schumer laid a wreath at the monument in Albany. Senator Schumer said that it was an amazing day and of a kind that gives one faith in this country.

His office has been fighting for 16 years to give Johnson the recognition he deserved. So, it was a special, celebratory moment after so many long years. Johnson bravely fought off an attack of German soldiers in May 1918, saving the life of his foxhole companion, even after he was badly wounded himself.

Kathy Sheehan, the third Albany mayor to support in the fight for Johnson to receive the Medal of Honor, said, “He came back to Jim Crow America and he was not honored for the hero that he was. I think the hurt and the damage done by that really is carried from generation to generation”. Kathy said they must recognize that they have to do everything they can to right such wrongs.

This moment has come after years of advocacy from teams of local veterans, dignitaries and community members. Finally, they have discovered the firsthand accounts that proved Johnson’s heroic actions, and their battle has come to an end.

Command Sergeant Major Louis Wilson with the New York National Guard is going to accept the Medal of Honor on Johnson's behalf on Tuesday.