BUFFALO SOLDIERS MLK Day of Service at New Trinity Cemetery in Haltom City, Texas.

BUFFALO SOLDIERS MLKDay of Service at New Trinity Cemetery in Haltom City, Texas. 

140 Years of Sacred Ground • 140 Years of Courage Remembered

New Trinity Cemetery

Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM

Haltom City, Texas

FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Just beyond the city limits of Fort Worth, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, New Trinity Cemetery becomes sacred ground once again—not only because of those who rest here, but because of those who rise to serve.

This day marks the inaugural Buffalo Soldiers MLK Day of Service at New Trinity Cemetery, a defining milestone in a year-long journey of remembrance, restoration, and resolve—living proof that when conscience meets commitment, mission becomes possible.

The Buffalo Soldiers MLK Day of Service stands as a living expression of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who taught this nation that greatness is found not in power, but in service. Established as a federal holiday in 1983 and designated a National Day of Service in 1994, MLK Day calls Americans not to pause for rest, but to rise for responsibility—turning memory into action and unity into service.

At The Historic New Trinity Cemetery, that call has been faithfully answered—for more than three decades.

A Legacy of Care: American Legion Post 655

For over 30 years, American Legion Post 655 has served as a primary caretaker, advocate, and steward of New Trinity Cemetery, ensuring that Black veterans—many buried without recognition—were never forgotten.

Long before cameras arrived and headlines followed, Post 655 quietly and faithfully:

• Led annual Memorial Day commemorations

• Placed American flags on forgotten graves

• Honored Black veterans whose service had been erased from public memory

• Preserved military dignity where neglect once prevailed

Their decades-long service laid the foundation for every restoration, recognition, and revelation that followed. What many are discovering today, American Legion Post 655 has protected for generations.

A Timeline of Awakening, Partnership, and Action

July 28, 2025 — National Buffalo Soldiers Day

On July 28, 2025, during National Buffalo Soldiers Day observances, a historic truth emerged at New Trinity Cemetery.

Technician Fifth Grade Florence Marie Cole Rawls, a member of the legendary 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion under the command of Major Charity Adams, was confirmed as a Congressional Gold Medal recipient.

This discovery—recognized and honored in partnership with American Legion Post 655—ignited a renewed commitment by New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church and the Texas Buffalo Soldiers Association to what became known as “digging for dignity”: restoring honor to forgotten veterans and telling the full American story.

October 12, 2025 — Major Cleanup & Restoration

On October 12, 2025, a major cleanup effort began—guided by the historical stewardship of American Legion Post 655 and carried out in partnership with the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department, churches, civic organizations, and men and women fulfilling community service sentences.

This work revealed what Post 655 had long known:

New Trinity Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 500 military veterans, including Buffalo Soldiers, World War I labor battalions, World War II heroes, Tuskegee Airmen, and Korean War veterans.

Restoration removed more than weeds—it restored names, honor, and purpose.

November 11, 2025 — Veterans Day Rededication

On Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, New Trinity Cemetery was formally rededicated.

Through the unified leadership of American Legion Post 655, New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, historic preservationists, civic groups, and the Tarrant County Sheriff’s labor detail unit, a long-neglected Black cemetery stood renewed.

As headstones reemerged, Post 655 helped confirm what decades of Memorial Day observances had already shown:

“Nearly every other grave belongs to a veteran.”

This moment affirmed the Legion’s enduring belief that service deserves remembrance—regardless of race, era, or recognition.

December 13, 2025 — Wreaths Across America

On December 13, 2025, American Legion Post 655 led Wreaths Across America at New Trinity Cemetery.

As wreaths were placed, history spoke with heartbreaking clarity. Beneath those wreaths lay Black boy soldiers of World War I—children as young as twelve—hidden in plain sight for more than a century.

Among them was Private Arthur Williams, Company C, 325th Service Battalion, Quartermaster Corps.

Born August 11, 1905—a boy when America went to war.

This revelation deepened the mission from remembrance to reckoning.

January 17, 2026 — Mission Becomes Possible

Now, on January 17, 2026, the journey reaches sacred fulfillment.

The inaugural Buffalo Soldiers MLK Day of Service coincides with:

• The 140th anniversary of New Trinity Cemetery (1886–2026)

• A national call to service rooted in Dr. King’s legacy

• A shared commitment to permanent stewardship

This Day of Service is led by New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth, in enduring partnership with American Legion Post 655, alongside:

• Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas

• Texas Buffalo Soldiers Association

• Affiliates and associates across Texas

Together, these partners embody the Beloved Community—faith leaders, veterans, justice advocates, families, and citizens united in service.

Service That Continues

As part of this MLK Day of Service, volunteers will respectfully collect and preserve American flags and wreaths placed during the December 13, 2025 Wreaths Across America ceremony, under the custodial care of American Legion Post 655—affirming that remembrance is not seasonal, but sacred.

We are honored to welcome Mr. Bryant Pearson and the Bowtie Boys of Garland, Texas, whose presence reflects the passing of memory, duty, and honor from one generation to the next.

A Celebration of Unity, Diversity, and Truth

At a time when the nation struggles to remember what binds us together, New Trinity Cemetery stands as a living testimony:

• That Black soldiers defended freedoms they were denied

• That children bore the cost of war

• That faith and veterans communities chose action over silence

• That American Legion Post 655 never abandoned its duty

This is MISSION POSSIBLE—

because service restores dignity,

because truth redeems history,

and because unity is built by those willing to care long after the crowds leave.

All are invited to serve.

All are invited to remember.

All are invited to stand on sacred ground—and do sacred work.