Buffalo Soldier monument was dedicated on Friday
The sun was shining. People were smiling. World-class music was played. Impressive speakers made remarks. Two community legends were remembered. And West Point added its first monument since 2019.
What a day.
Hundreds gathered at Buffalo Soldier Field at West Point to witness the historic unveiling of a monument dedicated to the Buffalo Soldiers, the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments of the U.S. Army which were made up of African American soldiers. The ten-foot-tall bronze statue features a solider on horseback, characterizing the horsemanship expertise the Buffalo Soldiers brought to West Point over the course of the 40 years they served there.
The statue was gifted to West Point by the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point. It’s been noted that the Buffalo Soldier depicted on the monument was modeled after Highland Falls’ most famous Buffalo Soldier, the late Sgt. Sanders Matthews.
His name came up several times at the ceremony, first by USMA Superintendent. Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams, and second by Retired General Vincent Brooks. Williams and Brooks both hold positions of note at West Point — Brooks was the first African American First Captain of the Corps of Cadets, and Williams is the first African American superintendent.
Williams spoke about how he has enjoyed learning about Sgt. Matthews and speaking with Mrs. Matthews many times prior to her passing, and noted that day would have been Mrs. Matthews’ 102th birthday.
“Their legacy still inspires us today,” Williams said. “Thank you for all being here to honor the service and legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers.”
Williams said as he introduced the many distinguished guests at the ceremony, including Dr Aundrea Matthews, the granddaughter of Sanders and Cora Matthews. She was instrumental in the creation of the monument, he noted. Matthews’ introduction drew great applause — much of the audience was Highland Falls residents and past residents.
Williams also paid tribute to Maj. Gen. Fred Gorden, 61st Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, who was unable to be at the ceremony but was watching via a livestream. He was also instrumental in the project, serving as the committee chair for the Buffalo Soldiers Association. “We appreciate your drive and passion,” Williams said.
Williams also offered great praise to renowned artist Sculptor Eddie Dixon, “the master of this incredible work you’re about to see”, Williams said. Dixon’s art can be found at the Pentagon, US State Department, several Smithsonian Museums and in national parks throughout the country.
Brooks said it was an honor to speak at the ceremony. He spoke about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, particularly at West Point.
“I’m filled with excitement and emotion today,” Brooks said, “I’m honored, and proud and humbled.”
He said the reach of African American soldiers in the U.S. Army is “expansive” and “a part of every chapter of American history”. He referred to many significant “African American warriors and patriots”.
“But none shined brighter and more enduringly than the collection of soldiers known as the Buffalo Soldiers,” he said.
At West Point, he added, many things of significance happened for African-American soldiers, including integrated family housing on post and schools for the children of Buffalo Soldiers. He gave a shout-out to Highland Falls, as well, noting that the community also was one of the first to provide integrated schools for both black and white children.
The Buffalo Soldiers unit at West Point was disbanded in 1947, with the end of the Cavalry instruction for the Corps of Cadets and the elimination of horse cavalry from the Army inventory.
The ceremony ended with the removal of a cloth over the statue, pulled down by several cadets. Standing with Dr. Matthews around the monument as it was unveiled were representatives of some of the corporate and other sponsors of the piece — the 7 Eleven Cares Foundation, The Carter Family, The Caufield Family Foundation, Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Hughes, First Hope Bank, Johnson & Johnson, Maj. (ret) & Mrs. Joseph Lunsford, the McDonalds Corporation, Maj. Gen. & Mrs. Fred Gorden, NE Frontier NABSTMC, US Electrodynamics Inc, West Point Class of 1977 and Gary & Moira Sinise.
Prior to the Buffalo Soldier monument, the last monument added at West Point was of former president Ulysses S. Grant, Class of 1843. That statue was erected on The Plain.
