Rockland

Reservations are due by Aug. 15 for the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point Inc.’s 50^th Gala Recognition on Sept. 4.

The event starts at noon with a ceremony at Buffalo Soldier Field at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Then lunch will be served from 2 to 6 p.m. in Ike Hall at the academy.

The keynote address by retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré will be “The Buffalo Soldier … No Longer Forgotten.”

For the gala, dress is business casual (no jeans). Tickets are $65; $50 for ages 6 to 18. For information or to purchase tickets, email buffalosoldiersofwp@yahoo.com.

The group’s president, Sgt. Sanders H. Matthews Sr., said that “For 50 years, we’ve worked to ensure the important contributions and commitments of the buffalo soldier were ingrained into the history of this community.”

The nickname “Buffalo Soldiers” began with the Cheyenne warriors in 1867, from the translation of  “wild buffalo,” a name given out of respect and the fighting ability of the 10^th Cavalry. Over time, “Buffalo Soldiers” became a generic term for African American soldiers. The West Point association formed in 2008.

 Print This Post |  Email This Post