News release
FORT DRUM, NY — 10th Mountain Division Commander, Major General Milford H. Beagle Jr., great-grandson of a WWI veteran, will be the special guest speaker on Monday, May 30th, 1 pm at Gates Cemetery, Fort Drum, to recognize the little-known service of African American Civil War Veterans. Over 200,000 Soldiers (and Sailors) of African descent, many of whom had escaped enslavement, volunteered to serve in the U.S. military during the American Civil War. Nearly 40,000 gave their lives as they fought for freedom for themselves, their families and future generations. Members of the public who would like to attend the ceremony are welcome to carpool and arrive prior to 1pm. Help us pay special tribute to these often-unsung heroes. Parking is limited. Seating and restrooms are not onsite.
For additional information/ directions, call before May 3010 a.m., 315-775-4065. For guide to cemetery, check-in with escort at Ft. Drum visitor center parking lot, between 11:30 and 11:50 a.m. Guide will depart main gate by 12:00 pm. Restrooms available at visitor center. Gates Cemetery (aka Plank Road) on Fort Drum, is home to the graves of a small number of U.S. Veterans from the 1800s to the mid 1900s, including an African American Civil War Soldier and his wife.
