Every year on July 28th, the nation stops to honor one of the most remarkable groups in American history — the Buffalo Soldiers. These men faced great challenges. Even so, they served their country with pride. As a result, their legacy still shapes the U.S. military today.
On National Buffalo Soldiers Day, the DAV of Idaho is proud to join in honoring their courage and sacrifice.
Who Were the Buffalo Soldiers?
The Buffalo Soldiers were members of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments of the U.S. Army. Congress created these all-Black units in 1866, right after the Civil War. As a result, they became some of the first African American soldiers to serve in the Army during peacetime.
Native American tribes on the Great Plains gave them the name “Buffalo Soldiers.” Historians still debate the exact reason for the name. However, many believe the tribes gave it out of respect for their fierce fighting spirit. The soldiers took the name as a point of pride. In fact, the buffalo became part of the 10th Cavalry’s official crest.
What They Did
The Buffalo Soldiers took on some of the hardest jobs the Army had. For example, they:
- Patrolled the western frontier — they protected settlers and mail routes. They also helped build roads and telegraph lines across the West.
- Fought in the Indian Wars — they served in Texas, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and the Dakotas.
- Served in the Spanish-American War — the 9th and 10th Cavalry played a key role in the famous charge up San Juan Hill. They fought alongside Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders.
- Served in the Philippines and Mexico — they also served in both World Wars.
Throughout all of this, they served in a segregated Army. At home, they faced discrimination and unequal treatment. Yet they still risked their lives in uniform. In other words, they fought for a country that had not yet given them full freedom.
And they kept serving anyway. That kind of courage deserves deep respect.
Their Legacy
The Buffalo Soldiers broke down barriers. Because of their service, future generations of Black Americans could serve in an integrated military. In 1948, President Harry Truman officially ended segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces. That moment happened, in part, because of the path the Buffalo Soldiers helped clear.
Today, their legacy lives on in many ways:
- Monuments at military posts across the country, including Fort Huachuca in Arizona
- The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston, Texas
- Motorcycle clubs, history groups, and school programs that keep their story alive
- A Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Buffalo Soldier veterans in 2005
Why This Day Matters
National Buffalo Soldiers Day is more than a history lesson. First, it reminds us that the story of American military service is rich and complex. Second, it reminds us that Black soldiers made huge contributions — even when their country did not fully honor them.
To honor the Buffalo Soldiers is to honor the full truth of American history. It means recognizing both their great service and the injustice they endured. Most importantly, it means passing their story on so it is never lost.
The DAV of Idaho Honors All Who Served
At the DAV of Idaho, we serve disabled veterans of every background, era, and branch of service. The sacrifice of the Buffalo Soldiers is a core part of American veteran history. Because of that, we are proud to recognize them on July 28th.
If you need help with VA benefits, claims, or free transportation to appointments, we are here for you.
Contact us at (208) 429-2140 or visit dav-idaho.org.
In honor of the Buffalo Soldiers — and all who served this nation with courage in the face of injustice.