SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif – On July 27-28, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will celebrate Buffalo Soldiers Day with special programs and a tree renaming ceremony commemorating the posthumous promotion and legacy of Brigadier General Charles Young. Sunday, July 28, Buffalo Soldiers Day, has been designated as a fee-free day for visitors. 

“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.” 

Special event programs, including interactive activities and demonstrations about Buffalo Soldier history and their connection to the parks, will take place in various locations throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon over the weekend.  

A special presentation by author and historian Brian Shellum begins at 8:30 p.m. on July 27 at the Lodgepole Campground Amphitheater. On July 28, the Brigadier General Charles Young tree renaming ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Auto Log, followed by the sign unveiling at the Brigadier General Charles Young Tree. Throughout the day, interpretive talks, guided walks, drop-in programs, site interpretation, interactive booths, and evening programs will be available in the Foothills, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, and Grant Grove areas. All special event programs are free to the public. 

More information about the celebration weekend can be found at

www.nps.gov/seki/learn/historyculture/2024-buffalo-soldiers-day.htm.

Specific program times and locations can be found on the parks’ website calendar at

www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

 

Flyer_Buffalo_Soldiers_Day_SEKI24

.  Source: SEKI Public Affairs Reference Number: 8550-2418