USMA Hosts 65th Annual Buffalo Soldier Ceremony

By Jennifer L. Warren

HIGHLAND FALLS – “We Can, We Will.” “Ready and Forward.”

These were the respective mottos of the US Army’s 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments that diligently, loyally, respectfully and courageously served at West point as well as the American West. They are powerful words that continue to inspire countless individuals to push through in the midst of seemingly overwhelming adversity, carving out fortitude, perseverance and ultimately success just as they did as a “lasting part of the Long Grey Line.”

“The Buffalo Soldiers have taught me how to persevere and keep on moving forward,” said National Association of Buffalo Soldier’s Trooper Motorcycle Club (NABSTMC)TM New Jersey President, Kris KC Clark, who was one of around 35 “Honor and Service” ride participants, donning the colors- black and yellow- of one of the biggest Black motorcycle clubs in the US, representing seven different chapters of the nationwide 104, who made the unified, police-car led symbolic journey from Newburgh’s Red Roof Inn & Suites to the United States Military Academy’s Buffalo Soldier Field on 606 Thayer Road Sunday afternoon.

Here, in front of the lofty, revered, September, 2021 erected Buffalo Soldier Monument, a 2000 pound bronze equestrian statue with one of the last living Buffalo Soldiers, Staff Sgt. Sanders H. Matthews Sr. (who passed away at age 95) poised aboard, a large crowd turned out to pay respect to some of our country’s most valiant trailblazers at the 65th Annual Buffalo Soldier Ceremony. Given the “Buffalo Soldier” namesake by Native American tribes on the Western frontier for their dark, curly locks and unwavering stalwart spirit, the African-American noncommissioned officer units of the 9th and 10th Calvary Regiments carved an indelible mark in history for their post American War accomplishments, highlighted by training cadets for 40 years on the West Point grounds in the mastery of mounted drills and tactics. The Buffalo Soldiers’ national imprint extended to the protection of National Parks as well as honorably providing military protection, infrastructure development and other environmental duties during westward expansion and pivotal conflicts in the United States.

“Being on this field is very meaningful; it’s where the Buffalo Soldiers served and were much more than just soldiers, but athletes, leaders, and instructors who showed through their excellence they belonged to a part of the military’s tradition of excellence,” said Keynote Address Speaker, 60th Superintendent of West Point Military Academy, General Darryl A. Williams ’83 Retired, who related the all-Buffalo Soldier Football Team’s unwavering tenacity despite their crushing, shutout losses, revealing a genuine example of their character. “They learned from these losses, continuing to play every day through their service and excellence as soldiers representing West Point; their story was not defined by losses but by perseverance and the way they responded.”

It’s a legendary narrative in history whose lessons continue to resonate. Whereas the Buffalo Soldiers once deftly rode horses, members of NABSTMC™, who proudly carry on their mission, “ride iron horses.” It’s a symbolic gesture, paying homage to men whose selfless commitment to others and country lives on in everything they do.

“We need to remember the Buffalo Soldiers and their commitment to service,” said Vickie Williams, President of the West Point Chapter of NABSTM™ who is assisted by Vice-President, Dwayne Ware and whose group does altruistic deeds for the Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh, Poughkeepsie pre-school children and residents in the VA Hospital in Montrose as well as turkey giveaways and allotment of both regional and national scholarships to deserving high school seniors, embodying the Buffalo Soldiers’ ideals. “Everything we do we share and preserve the history of the Buffalo Soldiers.”

That deep, rich history could be seen and felt the entire weekend on the USMA campus, as two days celebrating the theme: “Still We Serve: Honoring 65 Years of Military Excellence” was observed. From the traditional wreath laying, followed up by a moving Taps playing and salute segment, to the Hotel Thayer’s Dedication Ceremony, honoring General Vincent K. Brooks (US Army Retired) and Brigadier General Leo A. Brooks Jr., to the Memorial Awards Dinner, the two days were proudly dedicated to men whose groundbreaking efforts and inability to cower to any obstacles or discriminatory actions placed in their paths, continue to serve as a powerful standard to so many, embodying the Army’s principles of duty, honor and country.

“It’s really powerful to be able to celebrate 65 years of honoring Buffalo Soldiers who served at the Academy, said Aundrea Matthews, granddaughter of Sgt. Sanders Sr. and President of the Buffalo Association of West Point-dedicated to honoring the legacy of the 9th and 10th Cavalry, paying tribute to their ideals and service through events focused upon keeping their incredible stories alive. “Their legacy is still continuing to inspire the corp of cadets here today as well as the community and nation as a whole.”