MT. OLIVE’S UNVEILING CEREMONY OF THE U.S

Mt. Olive’s Unveiling Ceremony of the U.S. Colored Troops Monument at Fort Defiance

Story & Photography by Tony Centonze Mt. Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society held its official unveiling of a U.S. Colored Troops Monument, which now stands at the Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center.

The 9-foot tall monument pays tribute to the approximately 170,000 U.S. Colored Troops, many of whom were formerly enslaved, who served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

The statue was created by internationally renowned sculptor Roy W. Butler, a Tennessee native. The ceremony was filled with history, poetry, music, and dance. James Bagby & Robert Nash Grace & Walt Lord

Mike Taliento & Tracy Jepson Walker Woodruff & Mike Taliento Dr. Michael & Kirsten Licari Dee Boaz & Don Sharpe

Billy Burgett & Karen Reynolds Tamela Taliento & Arlene McCurdy William Parker & Terry Morris Kimberly Wiggins & Yolonda Williams