BUFFALO SOLDIERS DAY: HONORING THE LEGACY
The proclamation of Buffalo Soldiers Day goes back to July 24, 1992, when former President George W. Bush proclaimed that July 28 would be a celebration for the Buffalo Soldiers. The said date also marks the decision made by Congress on July 28, 1866, when they passed the Army Organization Act to create the 9th and 10th Infantry, along with the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st Regiments. This Act allowed the creation of six all-Black U.S. Cavalry and Infantry Units. Former President Bush even mentioned that despite the injustice and prejudice that all black Americans experienced during segregation, the members of these regiments had served with distinction and pride.These battalions were the western frontier after the Civil Warand served in various ways, such as law enforcement, security, and other frontier-specific activities. This National Buffalo Soldiers Day, let us not forget their sacrifice, which helped make a great nation.
Facts About the National Buffalo Soldiers Day
The term “Buffalo Soldiers” has a unique narrative that some historians still debate; a lot of sources mentioned that it originated with Cheyenne Native Americans. At the same time, some disagree and mention that it started with the Comanche tribe. One tribe, the Apache, used the representation because they observed that the troopers had curly hair like a bison. Yet, another source pointed out that the Plains Indians used the “Buffalo Soldiers” in reference to the coats they used during the winter.
Who Are the Buffalo Soldiers?
During the celebration of Buffalo Soldiers Day, let us not forget the reason they were created. After the Civil War ended, Congress passed a bill asking African Americans to help rebuild the nation. They were also patrolling and managing the areas of the western national parks to sustain peace. This was before the founding of the National Park Service. With the help of the Buffalo troops, the park was able to have a system that created a basis for park management and stewardship.Some of the notable people who should not be forgotten during the National Buffalo Soldiers Day are Captain Charles Young and the 9th Infantry; he was assigned to the General Grant and Sequoia National Parks. Young was the first African American to hold the position of National Park Service superintendent. During his time, he and his infantry made a lot of improvements to the parks, especially with the creation of roads and trails in use today. Another significant person is Henry O. Flipper, the first African American who joined the infantry to lead the Buffalo Soldiers. He was born into slavery in 1856, but his situation did not stop him from being the first African American to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Flipper earned his rank as a 2nd Lt. in the Army. In 1999, he was pardoned under President Bill Clinton. This is due to the “unduly cruel and unfair” court-martial and discharge from the Army.The last surviving member of the Army Organization Act passed away on September 6, 2005, at the age of 111 years old. He was Mark Matthews, and to honor his contributions, he was laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery.
How to Celebrate the National Buffalo Soldiers Day
The first celebration of the event happened in 1992. This is when General Colin Powell dedicated a monument to the Buffalo Soldiers to honor them. This is located in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the original station of the 10th Cavalry. If you want to commemorate the Buffalo Soldiers Day, you can visit this monument or the museum that can be found in Houston, Texas.Even though July 28 is not a federal holiday, you can still show your respect by visiting monuments located near your city. You can research and check the history of those infantry and their contributions. However, there might be observances in your local area. You might want to check if there are any events for the Buffalo Soldiers Day. There might also be announcements at your local Department of Veterans Affairs, so you better check out their events page. If you are going to post on social media, you can also use the hashtag #BuffaloSoldiersDay. These Soldiers are considered American Veterans who served the nation with honor and distinction, and many earned the Congressional Medal of Honor, an accolade given in tribute to combat courage that goes beyond the call of duty.Related reads:
