The dedication of the Saratoga Monument in 1912 brought about a surge of civic and patriotic pride. As a nation emerging as a world power, it wasn't surprising that a 'military week' would be part of the ceremonies. To represent the 'regular' US Army, Troop D of the 10th US Cavalry was dispatched from Fort Ethan Allen in Vermont. The 10th Cavalry was one of four racially-segregated regiments formed in the aftermath of the Civil War. Consisting of African-American men, they had seen service in some of the most grueling campaigns in Cuba, the Phillipines and the American southwest. Transferred to Vermont in 1909, they spent their first winter exposed to the brutality of New England weather in summer uniforms and an equally-cold reception by the white population. It is somewhat ironic that this unit was selected to pay tribute to the victory of 1777. In the American war for independence, the Army of the US was a racially-integrated force. By contrast, the US Army in 1912 was heavily segregated and the first decades of the 20th century saw some of the most virulent racism in US history. Despite this, these men proudly served their country and the 10th Cavalry even though it was racially segregated and continued that tradition of service in 1944. The troopers who participated in the Saratoga Monument dedication in 1912 would not recognize today's US Army. Cavalry today is mechanized and the entire US military is racially integrated. Pictured: Camp scene for 10th US Cavalry, Schuylerville.
<ul><li>Keywords: saratoga monument; patriotism; battle; saratoga battles; battles; saratoga; army; cavalry; history; historical; african american; black and white</li></ul>
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