REMEMBER THE YEAR 2013

“SALUTE TO OUR TROOPS”

Winchester Frederick County, VA is rich in historical landmarks, events, battlefields, and people to name a few. They will not fall short on celebrating significant historical events in the year 2013. On July 19th and 20th the Association was afforded an opportunity take part in one of many events that will take place throughout this year in their county.
Much appreciation goes to Trooper Houston Wedlock who made is possible for us to continue to follow the Legacy of the Buffalo Soldier in Winchester, VA. In the midst of his meetings with the city of Winchester, he became hospitalize for several months, preventing his ability to carry on. Many thanks is given to Trooper Arthur Ames, who stood by Trooper Wedlock every day in communications, along with Troopers Managua Locke and Willie Edley in taking the lead to continue the work with the city planning the event. Prior to Trooper Wedlock’s illness he spoke many times in-depth on the significance of the year 2013 as it relates to the history of Colored Soldiers.
On Friday, July 19th Troopers Willie Edley, Isaac Prentice, Oscar Brayboy, Tony Wilkerson, Arthur Jackson, Clint Brown, Jean Faulcon, Ronald Faulcon, Dahn Ahesahmahk, spent the day at Secret Passage Ranch in Fort Valley, VA to receive Military Reenactment Mounted Training. They met local Re-enactor Jeff Jordan and worked with the horses they would be ride doing a historic 10th Cavalry reenactment ride into downtown Winchester, 100 years ago.
The first event on Saturday began with a dedication ceremony and unveiling of a memorial, at the Jim Barnett Park, to honor Korean War Veterans. This was the 60th Anniversary of the “armistice signing” that brought an end to the Korean War. Pictured above is our Baltimore Metropolitian Area Chapter member Trooper Gerald Eldridge a Korean War Veteran and our Hero. Our Association submitted the following Korean War Veteran names for this event.
If you were nearby downtown Winchester on Main Street Saturday morning, you heard the sound of horseshoes pounding against the asphalt. Eventually the re-enactors appeared. A White Officer (Jeff Jordan) and Black Soldiers, on horseback passed by carrying the10th Cavalry Flag. The 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers from Ft. Ethan Allen Vermont (renactors) had arrived in Winchester, VA. Their assignment was to train with the 11th and 15th, all white Cavalry units to test new cavalry tactics used for war.
June 15, 1913, Ft. Ethan Allen, VT the 10th Cavalry commanded by Colonel J.C. Gresham Journey to Winchester, VA arriving July 19, 1913.
A parade took place later to celebrate our freedoms made possible by the implications of men and women over centuries ago to the present day. Many units, organizations and support groups from the past and present take over downtown Winchester. A horse drawn cart carrying George Washington, Revolutionary Red Coats, the Army Nurse Corp, the Red Cross, Marines, Air Force, Army, Navy, Reservists the Buffalo Soldiers and many more.
Several blocks away, at the Godfrey Miller Building Court Yard, members from the Baltimore Maryland Chapter, Mark Mathews Richmond, Virginia Chapter, Greater North Carolina Chapter and Washington D.C. Chapter held exhibits. Inside the Godfrey Miller Building lectures and discussions were held on subject matter of interest. Troopers Crawford of Washington, D.C. and Trooper Wedlock of Baltimore presented on the Buffalo Soldier Our lectures and exhibitors expanded on how in Winchester the Buffalo Soldiers would test new cavalry tactics during the summer of 1913. The 705 mile journey on horseback and performing maneuvers along the way would help to dismiss reservations about the worthiness and ability of both the horses and the colored soldiers. The Winchester, VA relay station was very important to this assignment as it could serve the military providing all the needs to replenished supplies and serve the stock.
Our presence will forever be remembered in the city of Winchester. Few knew of the Buffalo Soldiers, while most did not know of them at all or of their historical connection to Winchester, VA.
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