Did You Know? US Army Soldiers protected our National Parks until 1914. In 1903 Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry, led by Captain Charles Young, were garrisoned at the Presidio of San Francisco. Among other duties, they were stewards of Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. They rested in Los Banos on day 7 of their 16 day journey by horseback from the Presidio to Sequoia.

MLK Day In Merced

Posted January 20, 2012 at by lpatton.

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Martin Luther King day was celebrated around the world on Monday Jan 16th. You heard almost everyone talk about this great man’s dream and the difference he made in our world today.

I sit here now thinking and writing my thoughts down on how I belong to an organization that is trying to do its part in making a change for our youth. I am 45 year old man that has two children that joined the Los Banos Buffalo Soldiers Association with me. Like many parents I believe in supporting my children in anything that they try to do. I believe in knowing about our history as a people. To try to go through life with appreciation and respect while having some sort of knowledge of our history to give them strength to move forward into the future. I’m proud of all my children, they’re great.

Monday my son marched in the Merced county MLK parade with Kevin Craig and Dave Ofwono, while my daughter and I stayed in the Merced fairgrounds Hall where the celebration was taking place and handed out informational pamphlets and spoke to many. I as a father helped, talked, and networked with other people and enjoyed a cool day out with the kids. They also enjoyed it.

As the parade participants returned to the hall at the Merced Fairgrounds, I watched with my daughter as people turned and looked at three men and a young kid in Buffalo Soldier uniform appeared through the door. People ooh’d, pointed, and flashed cameras as they came toward our table. Sitting there looking at so many make way as if movie stars were walking down the red carpet. Our guys were here and tomorrow’s young star, kevin Craig Jr. The media rushed over to interview Kevin Jr.
We stood and pledged our allegiance to our flag with all that were here. Stood up again for this and stood again for that. Songs were sung, speeches were read, praise dancing was performed, respect was given for those due. Pictures were taken over and over of this group called the Los Banos Buffalo Soldiers. For me as a man with two of my children, this day will be remembered and is instilled in our children as a day that was spent together remembering the focus of one man’s dream and the difference that he made today.