LAFAYETTE COUNTY, MO JUNETEENTH 2009: ONE HIGHLIGHT WILL BE THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS!

The Greater Kansas City-Leavenworth Area Chapter of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Calvary Association of the Buffalo Soldiers whose motto is “Ready and Forward,” will be participating in the parade and the Juneteenth celebration. The group will have a kid’s drawing for t-shirts and other Buffalo Soldiers’ memorabilia. They will assist children with horse rides,too. The group will be presenting a brief history of their organization.

Juneteenth will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at the Fairground Park in Higginsville, MO. The parade will start at 10 am and end at the park. An opening ceremony will immediately follow. The theme is "Unity: Families Entwined in 2009."

In 1866 after the Civil War, there was a need for a larger peacetime presence and this was six months after the passing of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery. A military force was needed to preserve peace between the Native Americans and settlers, patrol the Mexican border, protect the railroads and wagon routes to the goldmines, and occupy southern states that were not complying with the anti-slavery laws. The 9th and 10th U.S. Horse Cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st U.S. Infantry Regiments were formed. This was done through the Army Reorganization Act that authorized the formation of 30 new regiments and included six black units—two cavalry and four infantry regiments. African Americans were free and had valiantly fought as they served in the Civil War.

The Buffalo Soldiers’ association was organized to strengthen friendships and loyalty to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces, perpetuate the memory of deceased comrades and the history and accomplishments of the 9th and 10th Calvary units, assist the active units of the 9th and 10th Calvary unites, encourage the study of military history, especially the post civil war activities expanding and settling the western part of the U.S., support junior and senior R.O.T.C. program, and to render faithful service to the nation, the community, and comrades by setting an example of unselfish patriotism and service. James Madison is the president of the Greater Kansas City-Leavenworth Area Chapter of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Calvary Association of the Buffalo Soldiers .