Buffalo Soldiers to be celebrated in the heart of California at Sequoia and Kings Canyon

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Buffalo Soldiers will be celebrated in the heart of California at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks during the last weekend of July.

If you’re familiar with history, you may know that July 28th is Buffalo Soldiers Day. According to park staff, admission is free on that day, meaning visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks can get in for free.

Historical marker to be unveiled in Sequoia National Forest

“This is an important celebration of these parks and a history we are committed to preserving and sharing with the public,” said Superintendent Clay Jordan. “These programs recognize the significant contributions made by the Buffalo Soldiers and Captain Charles Young to the protection and stewardship of the park.”

Rangers say interactive activities and demonstrations about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and their connection to the parks will be available in the Foothills, Giant Forest, Lodgepole and Grant Grove areas throughout Buffalo Soldier Day.

A presentation by author and historian Brian Shellum is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. July 27 at the Lodgepole Campground Amphitheatre, and a tree renaming ceremony commemorating the legacy of Brigadier General Charles Young will be held at 10 a.m. July 28 at the Auto Log.

Rangers say visitors can get to the Auto Log by taking the free Sequoia shuttle that departs from the Giant Forest Museum.

All special event programs, including interpretive lectures, guided walks, drop-in programs, site interpretation, interactive booths and evening programs are free to the public.

A detailed calendar of events is available on the parks website.

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