The U.S. Military Academy and the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point celebrated and honored the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers of the U.S. Military Academy Cavalry Detachment today during the 63rd annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Buffalo Soldier Monument at Buffalo Soldier Field on West Point.

This year’s ceremony featured retired Brig. Gen. Clara Adams-Enders, the 18th Chief of the Army Nurse Corps, as the keynote speaker.

Buffalo Soldier Monument, unveiled in September 2021, stands tall at the entrance to Buffalo Soldier Field, which was given its namesake in 1973.

Honoring the Black Horse Cavalry Detachments, particularly the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments who served as mounted drill and tactics instructors at West Point from 1907-47, this monument ensures the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers lives on here at West Point.

Bearing the likeness of retired Staff Sgt. Sanders Matthews Sr., one of the Buffalo Soldiers stationed at West Point, the monument stands over 10 feet tall and incorporates the historical marker from the memorial rock that was previously in place since 1973.