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

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

If you know your history, you may know that July 28 is Buffalo Soldiers Day. According to park staff, it is also a fee-free entrance day – meaning visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks can get in for free.

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

Rangers say interactive activities and demonstrations about Buffalo Soldier history 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. on July 27 at the Lodgepole Campground Amphitheater, and a tree renaming ceremony commemorating the legacy of Brigadier General Charles Young will take place at 10 a.m. on July 28 at the Auto Log.

Rangers say visitors can reach the Auto Log by taking the free Sequoia Shuttle which leaves from the Giant Forest Museum.

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

A detailed event calendar can be found on the parks’ website .

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