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News Release
Tacoma_teens_BuffaloSoldier1.jpg
Tacoma_teens_BuffaloSoldier1.jpg
Buffalo Soldier Dedication at Fort Vancouver (Photo) - 09/17/19

Eagle Scout spearheads first African-American memorial in Vancouver.

VANCOUVER, WA (September 17, 2019) — The Historic Trust will host the Buffalo Soldier Dedication ceremony at the Fort Vancouver National Site on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 11 a.m.. The memorial is located in front of the Infantry Barracks at 705 E. Barnes Street. The installation was spearheaded by Mr. Wilson Keller, a 17-year-old Eagle Scout, who recognized the importance of the Buffalo Soldiers’ contributions to the history of this nation and saw their lack of recognition at Fort Vancouver. Mr. Keller said, “I was inspired by the Buffalo Soldiers’ sacrifices and bravery after a presentation I attended. I wanted others to share that inspiration. It’s so important to represent the entirety of our armed services history and the Buffalo Soldiers from the 24th and 25th Infantries who served honorably.”

Several entities and individuals assisted with the installation including the National Park Service (NPS), The Historic Trust, The Buffalo Soldiers Moses Williams Chapter, the Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC), Boy Scout Troop #648, as well as private and business donors. The ceremony will be attended by public officials, the NPS, CMAC members, The Historic Trust staff, Troop #648 and Buffalo Soldier veterans. Members of Willie Morehouse’s family, who was a Buffalo Soldier who served in Vancouver, will participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first African-American memorial in the city of Vancouver.

David Pearson, The Historic Trust CEO and President states, “We are proud of Wilson, his troop, and all of the partners who made this overdue memorial a reality. The Buffalo Soldiers are an important part of U.S. history, as well as to this community’s history. Preserving and recognizing their service at Fort Vancouver is what makes this place special.”

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About The Historic Trust: The Historic Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 1998, dedicated to inspiring civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community's history. Learn more at www.thehistorictrust.org or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/HistoricTrustWA.

Attached Media Files: Tacoma_teens_BuffaloSoldier1.jpg
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