The Harlem Hellfighters are finally being honored for their service and sacrifice during World War I.

Rep. Tom Suozzi co-sponsored a bill honoring the Harlem Hellfighters and on Wednesday President Joe Biden signed it into law. The group made up of entirely Black soldiers was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our nation's highest honors.

"It's never too late to do the right thing," says Suozzi.

The Hellfighters were given a parade when they got home after the war but then faced racism and segregation because of the color of their skin.

"They were in combat for 190 days, more active than any other regiment in World War I and they were treated with racism and discrimination before the war, during the war and after the war," says Suozzi. "And this is really to right an injustice that we've had in this country for over 100 years."

A number of the Hellfighters were from Glen Cove and the surrounding area. There's even an exhibit at the North Shore Historical Museum in their honor.

Debra Willett, whose grandfather Leander Willett was a Hellfighter, says it's great to see them finally get the recognition they deserve.

Willett says it shows that her grandfather's courage and patriotism will never be forgotten.

"The sacrifices of all the Harlem Hellfighters, all the African American people and the people of color that fought in World War I and all the subsequent wars, they're really being celebrated with this," says Willett.

The Congressional Gold Medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian.