Wednesday, March 20, 2002
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Wednesday, March 20, 2002 |
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Soldiers Tell Their Story at East Fayette Several Buffalo Soldiers recently rode into town to make a special visit at East Fayette Elementary School. Three soldier reenactors from the Greater Atlanta Area Chapter of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Association brought their horses and replicas of equipment used by actual Buffalo Soldiers in the late 1800s to teach students at the school about the African American's role in the settlement of the West. Buffalo Soldiers made up the first all African American military units formed after the end of the Civil War. For over two decades, the 9th and 10th Cavalry regiments conducted campaigns against American Indian tribes on the Western Frontier. They engaged in several skirmishes against such great Indian chiefs as Victorio, Geronimo and Nana. Dressed in authentic replicas of the standard Buffalo Soldier uniform, troopers Dallas Miller, Derrick Davis and Tony Gier not only awed students with actual stories about combat with Indians, but they also informed them that the soldiers were responsible for more than just protecting the West. When not engaged in combat, both regiments helped to build forts and roads and installed telegraph lines and railroad tracks. "You won't find these stories and facts in your history books," Miller told the students. "I challenge you to go home tonight and research Buffalo Soldiers on the Internet so that you can learn more about the contributions they made." Members of the Greater Atlanta Chapter volunteer their time to visit schools in and around the metro-Atlanta area. Most members have regular jobs and take vacation time to visit schools and organizations to help students better understand the roles African Americans have played in the history of the United States. "My heart was really touched when I learned that these gentlemen volunteer their time to talk to students. It is obvious that they really love working with children and we are fortunate that our students have the opportunity to learn some facts about history that they didn't know before," said Principal Faith Hardnet. After the presentation, students had an opportunity to get a closer look at the saddles and other equipment Buffalo Soldiers used. Although the soldiers brought their horses to demonstrate their expert horsemanship and military precision riding drills, the demonstration was cancelled due to cold weather. However, the school plans to invite the soldiers for a return visit so that students can see the demonstrations.
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