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afrolumensproject central pennsylvania african american history for everyone ten years on the web 1997 - 2007 |
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The United States Colored Troops Rally
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On
Saturday May 28th, the combined forces of the 3rd and 6th Regiments USCT
arrived in Steelton Pa in support of Ms. Barbara Barksdale, the
President of the Friends of Midland hosting their Twelfth Annual
Memorial Event honoring the African American Military Service in Korea
1950-1953. The ceremonies at the Midland Cemetery were blessed with a
glorious warm spring morning. A platoon of young women made a striking
appearance as they put on a display of military styled regimentation
that put everyone on notice that young women can drill with the best of
them.
 Cadets
of the Buffalo Soldiers line up for the Memorial Event.
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The Placing of colors was performed by the United States Colored
Troops, a Musical Selection was beautifully sung by Ms. Loretta
Rossum, and The Opening Prayer was led by Rev. Ruby N. Boose-Thames.
Appropriate Memorial Day Remarks were offered from Mayor Tom Acri of
the Borough of Steelton, State Senator Jeffrey Piccola, and State
Representative Ron Buxton. Ms. Krister Elliott read thematic poems
featuring her original work “Night Dreams." Mr. George Lebo,
representing military veterans, offered words of remembrance for
those who have fallen in the service of the United States Military
forces. A place was reserved in the program for the recognition of
the Black History Essayists from the Steelton School system. The
Keynote Address on the importance of understanding history’s
relevance in our modern lives, was given by History Educator George
F. Nagle. Ms. Linda Spotts, representing the Harrisburg-East Rotary
Club, who donated the funds for the newly installed lighted flagpole
and sign, expressed the Club’s continuing support for the Midland
Cemetery. Ms. Barbara Barksdale, President of Friends of Midland
Cemetery, offered closing remarks and her gracious, heartfelt thanks
to everyone.
A rifle salute was
fired by the troops of the 3rd and 6th USCT
Friends of Midland Board Member George F. Nagle delivered the keynote address.
Following the Midland Cemetery Program
the troops redeployed to the Steelton Memorial Day Parade where
they were greeted warmly by the onlookers despite being caught
in a downpour near the end of the parade.
Darlene, Barbara, Steven and Lonnie at the Steelton Parade Respectfully submitted, Sgt. Algernon Ward, 6th Reg. USCT, Trenton NJ. See Sgt. Ward's previous article, The 6th USCT Meets the Rebels in Nashaminy Park. Friends of Midland 2005 Memorial Event Program is available here. |
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Original
material on this page copyright 2004-2005 Friends of Midland and Afrolumens
Project.
Text and photos on this page courtesy of Sgt. Algernon Ward, 6th Reg. USCT, Trenton NJ. All rights reserved by Sgt. Ward.
Permission to re-publish has been obtained from Sgt. Ward.
The url of this page is http://www.afrolumens.org/rising_free/algie02.html
This page was updated June 19, 2005.
Friends
of Midland Board Member Sharon Harris prepares for the ceremony.
Pvt.
Becton and 1st Sgt. Minus post colors.