Edited by Gerald Boerner
Commentary:
The Buffalo Soldiers were groups of African American cavalry fighters during the post-Civil War battles on the western frontier against the Native American tribes who were the original resident of this land. The African American 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. They were formed by order of the governor and fought valiantly during the Civil War. The movie, Glory, was based upon this unit’s experiences. They had to overcome the prejudges of the time to serve their country in its time of need.
What did it for a black man to become a soldier. The backing of abolitionists like Frederick Douglass. It also took the backing of the new president, Abraham Lincoln. It paved the way for another African American regiment, the 1st South Carolina Volunteers (Union) composed of freed slaves, to fight valiantly for the Union cause. Of course, the battle for equality in the military would be an upward battle, but they would eventually integrated into the military with the signature of President Harry Truman in 1948 of Executive Order 8802. The rest, as they say, is History!
But, it is once again time to explore this remarkable unit and its contributions to the Union victory in the American Civil War… GLB
These Introductory Comments are copyrighted:
Copyright©2011 — Gerald Boerner — All Rights Reserved[ 3954 Words ]
Quotations Related to Volunteers:
“If every American donated five hours a week, it would equal the labor of 20 million full-time volunteers.”
— Whoopi Goldberg
“In addition to serving overseas, the Peace Corps’ Crisis Corps Volunteers have helped their fellow Americans.”
— Solomon Ortiz
“Friendship is but another name for an alliance with the follies and the misfortunes of others. Our own share of miseries is sufficient: why enter then as volunteers into those of another?”
— Thomas Jefferson
