Hillsborough County officials, military veterans, and community leaders gathered at Veterans Memorial Park and Museum Aug. 29, 2026, to unveil the Buffalo Soldiers Monument, a permanent tribute honoring the valor and legacy of the U.S. Army's historic all-Black regiments.
The newly dedicated memorial plaza features a bronze statue depicting Spanish-American War Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. William H. Thompkins, a 10th U.S. Cavalry soldier, standing beside his mount.
Designed by lead architect John Kidwell of Hepner Architects and retired Army Sgt. Maj. Tim Lawn, the $150,000 county-funded monument highlights the 9th and 10th Cavalry and 24th and 25th Infantry regiments. The site establishes chronological context within the park, connecting Tampa’s historical role as a staging ground for approximately 30,000 troops during the Spanish-American War.
Kidwell noted that designing the monument required extensive research, including studying archives that documented Buffalo Soldiers loading transport ships in Tampa bound for Cuba.
"Our goal was to represent the historical role the Buffalo Soldiers had on America's military with dignity, said Kidwell. "We took a lot of the inspiration from other memorials around the park so the design so it would fit in, and then research the military unit logos, division slogans and detailed lettering to make sure we got it all just right."
During the keynote address, retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Raymond Butler reflected on the perseverance of the Buffalo Soldiers and their foundational impact on the modern U.S. Armed Forces. Butler emphasized how they overcame institutional prejudice while distinguishing themselves from the western frontier conflicts through the Second World War.
"These folks were loyal to a country that was not loyal to them," said Butler. "No matter how hard you kicked them, no matter how hard you pushed them down, they got back up."
Butler noted that the trailblazing service of all-Black regiments forged a path where modern U.S. Army Soldiers are evaluated by their merit, competence and character rather than race.
"Without you guys, I wouldn't be here, because I am one of the lucky ones that got to stand on the shoulders of the Buffalo Soldiers," said Butler.
Among the hundreds in attendance was 104-year-old World War II veteran Roy Caldwell, local elected officials and senior members of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club. With more than 5,000 active members, NABSTMC educates the public and preserve military heritage through civic outreach.
"We keep the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers going by riding, educating and serving our communities," said retired Sgt. Maj. Nathan "Motown" Mack, national president of the NABSTMC. "These men had the worst of everything, but they still continue to serve their organization, their units and this great country."
Local leaders emphasized that bringing the project to fruition required a strong partnership between civic officials, local veterans, and architects. Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers spoke to the profound impact of the public investment and the historical pride it brings to Tampa Bay.
"It was just a dream in 2024, but what we're going to see today is reality," Myers said. "America is stronger because of your service."
With the ceremonial ribbon officially cut, the Buffalo Soldiers Monument stands as an enduring educational landmark, ensuring that the patriotism, sacrifice, and contributions of these service members remain permanently honored by the community and the U.S. Army.