March to Glory luncheon scheduled for Tuesday

Hope is a theme that resonates in today's headlines.

For soldiers of the First Kansas Colored Infantry, the hope of freedom inspired them to join the ranks of the Union Army in Fort Scott during the Civil War. These warriors marched to glory, as they became the First African American regiment to defeat the Confederate Army in combat, according to a statement from the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

People who want to learn more about this inspiring story of hope and freedom are invited to attend a brown back luncheon starting at noon, Tuesday, at the FSNHS. Mine Creek Battlefield Site administrator Arnold Schofield, who is a former National Park Service historian in Fort Scott, will present a program titled, "Ebony Warriors: March to Glory" focusing on the heroic deeds and challenges of the First Kansas Infantry and other African American history in Fort Scott.

Visitors are invited to bring a lunch and join FSNHS staff for this informative program, which is being conducted in conjunction with Black History Month that is being celebrated throughout the month of February.

The fort is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. There is an entrance fee of $3 for each person 16 years of age and older. Children who are 15 years of age and younger will be admitted free of charge.

For more information about the site, call (620) 223-0310, or visit the fort's Web site at www.nps.gov/fosc.