Last Saturday, Sgt. Luther James Dorsey—the only known Buffalo Soldier from Montgomery County—was honored in Huntsville during a special celebration marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. His life and legacy were commemorated in a formal flag ceremony alongside national celebrations.
On Saturday, June 15, Montgomery County’s only recognized Buffalo Soldier, Sgt. Luther James Dorsey received honors in Huntsville as part of the celebration marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. The gathering took place at the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas, organized by the U.S. Army Huntsville Recruiting Company in collaboration with the nonprofit History Taskforce.
Dorsey’s descendants participated in a formal flag ceremony honoring his contributions during the Reconstruction period following the American Civil War. The tribute highlighted both his military accomplishments and his substantial impact in Conroe, the town where he settled after his discharge in 1878.
Dorsey was a member of E Company in the 10th Cavalry Regiment, renowned as the Buffalo Soldiers, an all-Black unit formed by Congress in 1873. Historical research from the Conroe Community Cemetery Restoration Project reveals that his unit was involved in skirmishes with the Kiowa and Comanche tribes in Oklahoma in 1874, and subsequently served in northern Mexico and at Fort Clark near Brackettville, Texas.
Following his time in the military, Dorsey settled in Conroe. Local archives reveal that he crafted coffins for Black residents who were turned away from other funeral services and also practiced carpentry, creating a significant legacy within the community.
Vaneilan Nakagawa, the recruiting operations officer for the Huntsville office, expressed that the team aimed to imbue this year’s Army birthday event with greater significance by paying tribute to an individual who embodies the essence of all veterans. “He represents the experiences of every veteran,” she stated.
Nakagawa shared, “This 250th birthday celebration is made possible thanks to the contributions of these remarkable individuals—both recognized and unrecognized—who paved the way for us.”
Celebrations for the Army's birthday were held throughout Texas, with events taking place in Shenandoah, Katy, and Houston. The U.S. Army was officially formed on June 14, 1775, which makes it the oldest component of the U.S. military.
