WINSTON-SALEM — St. Benedict the Moor Church observed its fourth annual Veterans Memorial Day Mass and program May 27.
Father Henry Tutuwan preached in his homily how grateful we are to those in the military who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
He reminded us that freedom is not free and that we should always pay homage and show respect to those who have fallen protecting the United States and the whole world. Guest speaker was Trooper Anthony Cornell Wilkinson, president of the Greater North Carolina Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers.
He shared with the congregation the sacrifices and contributions the Buffalo Soldiers made in the developing years of the United States.
The Negro soldier fought in every American war, but they were not officially organized as the Buffalo Soldiers, placed in the 10th Cavalry Regiment by Congress, until Sept. 21, 1866.
Other than engaging in battle during the formative years of the United States, Buffalo Soldiers built and renovated forts, strung thousands of miles of telegraph lines, protected American Indians who lived on reservations, and escorted wagon trains, railroad trains surveying parties across the West.
The Buffalo Soldiers were active from 1866 to 1951, after which the military was integrated. Progress would have been very slow for the growth and development of this country had it not been for the valor and dedication of the Buffalo Soldiers, Wilkinson said.
Other veterans featured during the parish’s program were: Timothy Jackson Jr., Air National Guard, U.S. Army, and Trooper R. J. Clark, chaplain, Greater North Carolina Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers.
— Photo provided by Gloria Wilson