The ceremony will begin in the park’s outdoor amphitheater and will be followed by the official unveiling of a large bronze monument honoring the legacy and service of the Buffalo Soldiers. The Buffalo Soldiers trace their origins to 1866, when Congress authorized the creation of all-Black segregated units in the U.S. Army following the Civil War. Native American tribes are believed to have given these courageous troops the name ‘Buffalo Soldiers’ in recognition of their bravery and resilience. The Buffalo Soldiers also have a unique connection to the Tampa Bay area. Bush proclaimed the first National Buffalo Soldiers Day in recognition of their outstanding service and sacrifice.