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Feb. 12 Proclaimed Buffalo Soldiers’ Day In Rockland County 

Legislator Earl: ‘Original Buffalo Soldiers Fought In West, Term Now Used To Acknowledge Contributions Of All Black Veterans’

Rockland County observes Buffalo Soldiers’ Day on Wednesday, recognizing the contributions made by the original Buffalo Soldiers and the Black veterans and active military members who have followed in their footsteps.

“We designated Buffalo Soldiers’ Day in Rockland County to recognize and to honor the contributions of Black soldiers throughout America’s history and into present day,” County Legislator Toney L. Earl said. “Buffalo soldiers were willing to die for a country that did not care if they lived, because they believed in the ideals of America – that all men and women have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They truly deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”

Legislator Earl was the main sponsor of the 2019 resolution seeking to designate Feb. 12 as Buffalo Soldiers’ Day in Rockland County each year. The measure was unanimously adopted in a bipartisan vote.

February was chosen because it is Black History Month, and the 12th was chosen because it is the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, who issued the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War, which declared that enslaved people in the rebellious states were free.

Also in celebration of the accomplishments of Black veterans, Rockland County annually presents its Buffalo Soldiers’ Award. Legislator Earl presented a Proclamation to Rockland County Veterans Service Agency Director Susan Branam recognizing Buffalo Soldiers’ Day at this year’s county ceremony, held yesterday.

County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr., Vice Chairwoman Aney Paul, Minority Leader Lon Hofstein and Legislators Paul Cleary, Will Kennelly, Jesse Malowitz, Ray Sheridan and Dana Stilley were among those attending.

This year’s honorees are Rev. Dr. Raymond Caliman and Alphonso Marshall, with a special Lifetime Recognition Award to Bertis Blanks, and an Honorary Buffalo Soldier Award to Charlies Maushardt for

his dedication to Mount Moor Cemetery in West Nyack.

Rev. Caliman served in the U.S. Army Active Reserves, enjoyed a 30-year career in the automotive industry and went on to earn a doctorate in divinity. He recently retired after 25 years as Pastor of Fairmount Baptist Church in Haverstraw. The County Legislature recognized him for his many accomplishments and community service on Feb. 4, presenting him with a Distinguished Service Award.

Alphonso Marshall was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years in Vietnam. He retired from the NYC Buildings Department, where he served as an elevator inspector. He is Second Vice Commander of American Legion Post 199 in Spring Valley.

Bertis Blanks was drafted into the Army in 1944 and served during both World War II and the Korean War. Charlie Maushardt, a Vietnam War combat veteran, has long been active in veterans’ activities, currently serving as President of the Hudson Valley Nam Knights Motorcycle Club and past President and current member of Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 333.

The original Buffalo Soldiers were members of the 10th Cavalry Regiment, an all-black unit organized after the Civil War in 1866. The soldiers earned fame fighting on the Western frontier. The unit, in various forms and later integrated, also served in World War I, World War II and Vietnam, and remnants of it served during the Cold War and in the War on Terror.

African-Americans have a long history of stepping up for America, including during the Civil War, when the 54th Massachusetts was created. The story of the all-black unit is depicted in the film, 𝐺𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑦, and at least five members of the unit are buried at historic Mount Moor Cemetery.

Other veterans buried at Mount Moor also fought for their country even though many were denied equal rights under the law during their lifetimes. President Harry S. Truman, via an executive order in 1948, ordered an end to racial segregation in the armed forces and the last all-black units were disbanded in the 1950s.

Starting in 1962, the Buffalo Soldiers’ Association of West Point began hosting annual memorial events in honor and celebration of the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers and the contributions of African-American veterans in the Hudson Valley. Legislator Earl’s father-in-law, Sgt. Clarence Fleming, and other Rockland County veterans have been among those honored. The association was founded by Joseph Dunn of Spring Valley and Sanders Matthews of Highland Falls.

 Rockland County Legislators Toney Earl, Aney Paul, Jay Hood, Dana Stilley, Paul Cleary, Jesse Malowitz, Lon M. Hofstein, Will Kennelly and Ray Sheridan were among those celebrating this year's Buffalo Soldiers' Awards honorees. 

 County Veterans Service Agency Director Susan Branam, County Legislators Dana Stilley, Aney Paul and Toney Earl recognized Honorees Bertis Blanks, Alphonso Marshall and Rev. Dr. Raymond Caliman for their service and many community contributions.

An Honorary Buffalo Soldier Award to Charlies Maushardt for his dedication to veterans activities and to Mount Moor Cemetery in West Nyack.

Feb. 12 is designated annually as Buffalo Soldiers' Day in Rockland County. 

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