We are committed to teaching the history of the BUFFALO SOLDIERS in general and the 9th U.S.Cavalry in particular.
Our goals are firmly set in reaching the young minds and hearts of our youth and educating the general public on the sacrifice and courage of what is considered, even today in military circles, as one of the finest and most dedicated fighting units in the history of this country; they just happen to be black. These Officers and Men of the 9th U.S. Cavalry fought to make the civilian population of the west secure in their quest for places of their own and to realize their peace and security did NOT come cheap.
The men of the 9th were never heard, much less acknowledged or recognized. We as descendents and beneficiaries of this outstanding legacy have a duty to insure these men get the recognition they deserve and finally to take their rightful places in the written and visual history of our country. We now have a solid base to build on. We are becoming firm in our knowledge of not only the men we represent, but also in recognizing other races that helped and / or served with them.
We are also attempting to reestablish the bond our ancestors had built with Native Americans. At one time our two races coexisted with little or no problems, so many of our ideas, habits and beliefs were similar. Our children played together; our men hunted and fought side by side. If we hadn't been forced to fight each other, that bond would have never been weakened. You will notice I said "weakened," because it has never been completely destroyed. Therefore, we, as an organization, must always work toward re-strengthening that bond.
When we don uniforms or period dress, we have a duty and responsibility to represent these people in the best we possibly can and continue to make the name "BUFFALO SOLDIERS" a household word: wear the titles of storekeeper, muleskinner, school-teacher, marshal, etc., with pride, dignity and respect. So, as your President, let me say; "THANK YOU" for your support and confidence; as Regimental Sergeant Major I say, very proudly, "WE CAN, WE WILL !!!.
- William McCurtis
RSM 9th Mem. Cav.