WHEREAS, following the Civil War on July 28, 1866, 157 years ago Congress enacted legislation allowing African American men to serve in six segregated units in the United States Army during peacetime; and

WHEREAS, these soldiers became known as 'Buffalo Soldiers,' nicknamed by Native Americans against whom they fought because of their reputation for toughness and bravery in battle and the buffalo fur coats they wore in the winter; and

WHEREAS, Buffalo Soldiers also served courageously during World War I and World War II and have fought with distinction in all of our country's military engagements; and

WHEREAS, in 2019 to commemorate and honor African Americans' military service in every American war, the Nevada State Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 336 and was signed into law designating July 28 as Buffalo Soldiers Day in the State of Nevada; and

WHEREAS, it is important to honor the dedication and sacrifices of the Buffalo Soldiers, recognize the contributions they have made to the State of Nevada and to the United States, and preserve their legacy; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim July 28, 2023 as

BUFFALO SOLDIERS DAY IN NEVADA