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Buffalo Soldiers Day

Civil War Buffalo Soldiers

About Buffalo Soldiers Day

When is Buffalo Soldiers Day? This holiday is always celebrated on July 28

Today is Buffalo Soldiers Day, a July 28 holiday. This holiday honors black Americans who fought for the Union Army against the South in the Civil War. 

In 1862, the U.S. Congress passed the “Union Army and Military Act of 1862”. The Act allowed black Americans for the first time to fight during the Civil War. They fought for the Union Army. And, they did so admirably.

In 1866, the U.S. Congress passed the Army Organization Act. This law allowed black Americans to enlist in the military and fight for our country. The army formed a military unit comprised of Black Americans. It included black soldiers who fought for the Union army in the Civil War, ex-slaves, and freemen. They served with pride and distinguished themselves for their bravery and fearlessness. These ferocious warriors served in the 9th and 10th Cavalry, as well as in other units. They fought in the Indian Wars and distinguished themselves. Native Americans feared them and nicknamed them Buffalo Soldiers. It is believed that either the Cheyenne or Comanche gave them this nickname for their fierce and fearless performance in the wars. While their performance on the battlefield was remarkable, they suffered from racism.

Did You Know? Buffalo Soldiers went on to fight side by side with Teddy Roosevelt and his Roughriders in Cuba during the Spanish-American war. 

They had two notable mottoes. They are: “We Can, We Will”, and “Ready and Forward”. Buffalo soldiers lived up to these mottoes.

How to Celebrate Buffalo Soldiers Day

The First celebration occurred in 1992. General Colin Powell dedicated a monument in honor of these troops.

Here are some ways you can celebrate:

  • Read a book about them.
  • Research their history online.
  • Make plans to visit the Buffalo Soldiers Museum at the Houston Museum.

Today's Quote

“We first make our habits. Then, our habits make us.” – -John Dryden

History and Origin of Buffalo Soldiers Day

In 1992, Congress passed a law proclaiming July 28 as Buffalo Soldiers Day. The Congressional Proclamation did not create it as a “National” day. A couple of websites incorrectly refer to it as “National Buffalo Soldiers Day”.

Neither the U.S. Congress nor any President of the United States has proclaimed this holiday to be a true “National” day. We encourage you to write to your congressperson to issue a Congressional resolution.

Definition of “National” Days – and why it is so important to distinguish and identify true national days.



More July 28 Holidays

Here are more July 28 holidays we are sure you will enjoy:

Pina Colada Day

Teddy Bear Picnic Day

More About Today

This Day in History

Famous July Birthdays

Plant of the Day: Money Tree Pant

Recipe of the Day: Grilled Corn on the Cob

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