Graphic rendering of the text AP HomeSlavery to
freedom
An African American extended family poses for a photograph, circa 1870.  Graphic rendering of the text Rising Free, Free Persons of Color

Vibrant Black communities arise
from the ashes of slavery

The United States Colored Troops Rally to Support the Friends of Midland

Text and photos by Sgt. Algernon Ward, 6th Reg. USCT

Presented by the Friends of Midland Cemetery

On Saturday May 28th, the combined forces of the 3rd and 6th Regiments USCT arrived in Steelton Pa in support of Ms. Barbara Barksdale, the President of the Friends of Midland hosting their Twelfth Annual Memorial Event honoring the African American Military Service in Korea 1950-1953. The ceremonies at the Midland Cemetery were blessed with a glorious warm spring morning.  A platoon of young women made a striking appearance as they put on a display of military styled regimentation that put everyone on notice that young women can drill with the best of them.
Facing photo of young cadets lined up in parade formation. Oblique angle photograph of young cadets lined up in parade formation.Cadets of the Buffalo Soldiers line up for the Memorial Event.

Woman in a civil war era dress stands next to a van.
 
Friends of Midland Board Member Sharon Harris prepares for the ceremony.

The Placing of colors was performed by the United States Colored Troops, a Musical Selection was beautifully sung by Ms. Loretta Rossum, and The Opening Prayer was led by Rev. Ruby N. Boose-Thames. Appropriate Memorial Day Remarks were offered from Mayor Tom Acri of the Borough of Steelton, State Senator Jeffrey Piccola, and State Representative Ron Buxton. Ms. Krister Elliott read thematic poems featuring her original work Night Dreams." Mr. George Lebo, representing military veterans, offered words of remembrance for those who have fallen in the service of the United States Military forces. A place was reserved in the program for the recognition of the Black History Essayists from the Steelton School system. The Keynote Address on the importance of understanding history s relevance in our modern lives, was given by History Educator George F. Nagle. Ms. Linda Spotts, representing the Harrisburg-East Rotary Club, who donated the funds for the newly installed lighted flagpole and sign, expressed the Club s continuing support for the Midland Cemetery. Ms. Barbara Barksdale, President of Friends of Midland Cemetery, offered closing remarks and her gracious, heartfelt thanks to everyone.

African American Civil War re-enactors line up to fire a rifle salute.

Man in a suit holding an event program. A rifle salute was fired by the troops of the 3rd and 6th USCT

 

Friends of Midland Board Member George F. Nagle delivered the keynote address.

 

 
Two men in Civil War Union soldier uniforms hold flags of the United States and Pennsylvania.Pvt. Becton and 1st Sgt. Minus post colors.

Following the Midland Cemetery Program the troops redeployed to the Steelton Memorial Day Parade where they were greeted warmly by the onlookers despite being caught in a downpour near the end of the parade.

 
Four persons in Civil War era clothing and uniforms pose for the camera. Arlene, Barbara, Steven and Lonnie at the Steelton Parade

Respectfully submitted,   Sgt. Algernon Ward, 6th Reg. USCT, Trenton NJ. 

See Sgt. Ward's previous article, The 6th USCT Meets the Rebels in Nashaminy Park.

Friends of Midland 2005 Memorial Event Program is available here.

Midland Cemetery Pages

Education

African American Genealogy

Midland Cemetery Galleries:

Introduction
Civil War Burials at Midland
World War Burials at Midland
African American Burial Traditions
Gallery of Home Crafted Tombstones 
Gallery of Plot Boundary Markers
Artifacts of a Historic Cemetery

Burials at Midland:

All Names, A-Z
Tombstone Transcriptions
Additional Names, List B
Additional Names, List C
Additional Names, List D
Names of Lot Holders
Map of Midland Cemetery
Midland lot books 1894-1916

Documents and Dorms

Membership Form (printer-friendly)
April 2005 Newsletter*
March 2004 Newsletter*
Letter from Barbara Barksdale, 03/11/03
Letter from Barbara Barksdale, 04/24/03
May 24 Anniversary Parade Participation Form *
Printable Event Announcement *
Official Event Press Release *

* Microsoft Word file format

Hygienic School Galleries:

The Hygienic School Story
Roll of Colored Graduates
Teachers at the Hygienic School

Special Series
The People of Midland:

Local History and More

Andrew Askins Post 479 Veterans
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts--photos
Steelton Death Certificates, 1892-1893  
"Let Us Remember," by SFC Wedlock
Midland Cemetery Photo Page
1920 Census of African Americans in Steelton
Lincoln Cemetery, Harrisburg, Transcriptions

Community

Success Stories
Activities and Events
Driving Directions to Midland
About the Placing of Markers
 Hurricane Clean Up, August 2004
 Midland Cemetery Links Page

 

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Original material on this page copyright 2020 Friends of Midland and Afrolumens Project.
Text and photos on this page courtesy of Sgt. Algernon Ward, 6th Reg. USCT, Trenton NJ. All rights reserved by Sgt. Ward.
Permission to re-publish has been obtained from Sgt. Ward.
The url of this page is https://www.afrolumens.com/rising_free/algie02.html