The Buffalo Soldiers

Several of my deceased uncles fought with the Buffalo soldiers during World War II. At a recent annual reunion of the black soldiers who comprised that 92d Infantry Division, they reminisced about those times long-ago when they fought side by side against the enemy. Of course there are fewer living buffalo soldiers these days. They fought with pride, dignity and excellence in segregated units to maintain freedom for all Americans even though they didn't have freedom themselves. My Uncle, Eugene Gailliard, lost an eye during the war. Uncle Ted and Uncle Alvin fought bravely as well. These were men who fought hard and greatly distinguished themselves during the war. Many of them died. 'A soldier was a soldier,' they would tell me long ago when I was a child. 'We fought the enemy just like everyone else.' When white troops wouldn't let blacks play bridge with them, the black soldiers created a game they called bid whist instead. One of the former soldiers at the reunion became a bit emotional, wondering if anyone will remember them and their sacrifices when they are all dead. Their contributions are too important for the world to forget them. No, I believe they will live one forever as their stories are passed down through generations to come. We should dedicate ourselves to that memory and make sure that is the case.